The kingdom of God is among you

0:06

The Kingdom of God

The Community of Taizé

Today is Thursday the 12th of November, the feast of Saint Josaphat, in the 32nd week of Ordinary Time.

The Community of Taizé sing “the Kingdom of God is justice and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Come, Lord, and open in us the gates of your kingdom.”

Slow down now, as you enter into prayer.

Become aware today of God’s kingdom being built around you.

Rest in that awareness.

4:41

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 17:20-25

Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’

Then he said to the disciples, ‘The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. They will say to you, “Look there!” or “Look here!” Do not go, do not set off in pursuit. For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must endure much suffering and be rejected by this generation.

6:29

duskveil

Norvik, We Dream of Eden

The Pharisees ask when God’s kingdom is coming. Jesus answers that it cannot be pinpointed by signs, because it is already among them, or within them, as some translations have it. Where do you look for God’s kingdom? Have you ever missed it because you were looking elsewhere?

St Josaphat, a seventeenth-century archbishop, was killed for his commitment to unity between Eastern and Western Christians. Jesus too speaks of suffering as part of his path. What does it cost to build unity in the Church, in a family or a community? Where are you being called to be a bridge-builder?

As we hear the reading again, notice the words that specially draw your attention. Allow them to rest in your heart and ask where God’s kingdom may be quietly present in your life and in the world right now.

9:55

Luke 17:20-25

Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’

Then he said to the disciples, ‘The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. They will say to you, “Look there!” or “Look here!” Do not go, do not set off in pursuit. For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must endure much suffering and be rejected by this generation.

11:23

Take time to speak to Jesus about where you have glimpsed his kingdom, even in small and hidden ways. Ask for eyes to recognize it and courage to serve it.

13:34

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen