Kingdom of God - Homily Nov 12.

        We listen to a n interesting episode about the kingdom of God in the gospel today. Whether we accept it or not, quite often we are curious to know about the matters that are yet to come, or about the world to come or about the end of the world.

            In the gospel reading of today the Pharisees are enquiring about the timing of the coming of the Kingdom of God. Their question was – When but Jesus answers they- How will the kingdom come and how will the kingdom BE.

            Something that enthused me towards religious life as a high school boy – were the stories I heard about the martyrs of first century who were ready to lay down their lives, ready to face the wrath of the king yet not compromise or give up their faith; For they believed in a kingdom that lasts forever, a state of life which gives the final fulfillment. I am sure that they were not totally foolish to give up their lives for nothing.

            Someone once jovially said, it is only those who cannot live in the present, are too much worried about the world to come. Behind such a sarcastic remark, there’s also a hidden message,    an invitation to live fully in the present.

            What are the pillars of the kingdom that Jesus proclaimed? As the scripture says they are – Love and Reconciliation.

            When Mother Teresa was spit on her face, when she went  requesting for the help for the poor destitutes,  she could wipe her face and again extend her hand and ask – “ This is for me. Now kindly give something for my people” - If not love, can anyone do this. Love endures everything. If you find time kindly spend a few moments one of these days to read and reflect on 1 Cor 13: 4-6

            Walking into the cell of the murderer who burnt her husband and little children before her eyes – Gladys stein’s stein said, “I have nothing against you. I forgive you”. It was indeed a living witness to the Kingdom that Jesus proclaimed.

            The church document – Redemptoris Missio 16 says, ‘Jesus Inaugurated the kingdom. He was the messenger of the Kingdom. But after his resurrection - Kingdom of God is equated with Risen Lord. The Messenger becomes the message.

           

Risen Lord is the symbol of a transformed way of living.  Therefore we are invited today not to worry too much about a future kingdom rather to examine the areas where we need transformation or a new beginning.

Eph 1,10 – says In the fullness of time God will gather all things in HIM.

            Let us play our part our role in the realization of a kingdom, I mean in creating a humane society by building our lives on Love and Reconciliation. During this Eucharist let us ask for the   grace that our lives be transformed into a message of the kingdom for that would be the most read good news, by the people around us…. Amen.