THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU

 Thursday 32nd week in Ordinary Time Year A, 12th November, 2020. The Memorial of St. Josaphat

Readings: Philemon 1:7-20, Ps.146, Luke:17:20-25

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU

Oftentimes whenever we hear about the kingdom of God, two questions comes to mind, the first question is when is it coming? And the second question is how will it looks like? This is not different from the Pharisees in our Gospel passage today who after hearing Jesus talking about the kingdom of God, asked him when the kingdom will come. This is because they presume that the kingdom of God is yet to come, and will be visible like an earthly kingdom. 

But, Jesus replies that the kingdom is already present though invisible, for the kingdom of God is within us. The kingdom is essentially God's reign in the soul of humanity through his Son Jesus. For with the presence of Jesus, the kingdom of God is already here among us. And within our hearts, God’s reign has already begun. So through our union with Jesus, we already have a foretaste of eternal life. 

However, Jesus said to his disciples, 'a time will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man and will not see it. They will say to you, “Look there!” or, “Look here!” Make no move; do not set off in pursuit; for as the lightning flashing from one part of heaven lights up the other, so will be the Son of Man when his day comes. 

Here, Jesus encourages his disciples not to get worked up, or even overly curious, about the end times and the second coming of the Son of Man. Instead let us concentrate on the here and now, especially on our relationship with him as we ponder constantly on his teaching. Jesus also warns us not to be distracted by fake prophets and preachers who claim private revelations about the end of the world. Rather, we should focus on how to shape our life to attain the demands of God’s kingdom, Just like St. Josaphat Kuntsevych whose memorial we celebrate today.

St. Josaphat was a monk who eventually rose to the position of leadership within the Church as an Archbishop. He fought for the unification of the Church despite the rising tensions and clashes between those who were supportive of the union and those who opposed it. As the leader and shepherd of his flock, he struggled to resolve the tensions and differences. However, this tensions and violence eventually led to his martyrdom. For he dedicated himself fully in ensuring that he leads and steers the faithful to the right path through his personal holiness and exemplary life style, he is known for constantly mortifying his flesh and resisting the temptations to sin.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we await your Kingdom, help us to be well prepared for it whenever it comes. And through the intercession of St Josaphat, give us the grace to be faithful and dedicated servants, we ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen. Do have a faithful day.