So, with you when you see these things happening: know that the kingdom of God is near.
The Kingdom of God!
Our Gospel today is from the Gospel of Luke. The good doctor, Saint Luke, speaks of the Kingdom of God at many points in his gospel. Luke 17:20-25 The Kingdom of God will not be able to be seen but is all around you. Many books of the Bible speak of the Kingdom of God. Nonetheless, what or where is that Kingdom? Daniel describes his vision of the Kingdom of God in heaven. David’s Psalm 27:13-14 I believe I shall see the LORD’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!
In Daniels experience, David’s experience, Saint Luke’s experience and our experience, the Kingdom of God comes as a feeling, a vision or anticipation. Yesterday, in America we had family and friends gathering to give thanks. Not all those experiences went well, but well enough that we gather and the main part is giving thanks. Everyone was mostly on good behavior and those that weren’t will be a topic of conversation for the next year. Anna and I had a neighbor, but no family because of work. It iis not the quality of the food, but the sincerity of the thanks that is most important.
Daniel in our first view was scary, but symbolic of power and majesty. David’s Kingdom in the Psalm was anticipatory. He like Adam and Eve pictured walking in the garden of life with the Lord at his side. Saint Luke sees the Kingdom of God happening anytime and anywhere. Any Charismatic Catholic can tell when the Holy Spirit is present. There are many ways to experience the Kingdom, but all are important in our relationship to Jesus in His Kingdom.
Whether we are experiencing the Kingdom in Heaven or Earth the joy and peace are the same. We are one with the Lord. End time may be near, but the important thing is to be walking with the Lord in the Garden. Don’t listen to the ‘doom sayers. Only the Father knows. Jesus told his disciples a parable: ‘Think of the fig tree and indeed every tree. As soon as you see them bud, you know that summer is now near. So with you when you see these things happening: know that the kingdom of God is near. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.’
During my morning prayers, I always pray that I may experience the Kingdom of God during my day. Sometimes it is a conversation I have with one of my customers at the Deli. Sometimes with my wife or neighbor. Sometimes I experience with you in your comments.
Let us all pray that we experience the Kingdom today and every day until we experience it eternally in Heaven.
God Love You Always
Bob Burford
PS: Please Pray for Pope Leo XIV. Please Pray for Cancer victims and their caregivers. Pray for the conversion of Russia and the salvation of the Ukrainian and Russian people and their soldiers. Pray for the Holy Land. Pray for peace! The impossible could and can happen. (Saint Rita) Never deny God! Pray for justice for immigrants! Pray for justice for our President and all government officials!
