Bringing About the Kingdom

In today’s Gospel from Luke the congregation that was listening to Jesus read from the scroll the passage from Isaiah and then to complete it by adding, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing,” could have only meant two things to do those who were listening.  The first interpretation could have been, “He (Jesus) is reminding us that God’s spirit is with us all and that these days will be blessed because of God’s presence among us.”  The other interpretation could have been a more literal one, i.e. is He saying He is the fulfillment of that passage?  Does He mean to tell us He is the anointed one?  Yes and yes!

That is why just a little bit later Jesus says, “Surely you will quote me this passage, physician heal yourself.”  He says this so there could be no mistake He was speaking literally, i.e. He (Jesus) is the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God on earth.

Many did not understand that yet in Jesus’ time, others would eventually come to believe through Jesus’ words and actions proving He was the Messiah.  We all have come to believe it since we are here worshiping.  Nevertheless, Jesus still says to us right here and right now, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”  It begs the question of us, do we believe it and if yes, then do we also help bring about the kingdom of God in this world?

For some, to bring about the kingdom here on earth means, attending mass and prayer.  That is just one component.  We are to bring the kingdom to others through the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, especially this Jubilee Year of Mercy.  As a reminder for all of us here they are in an easy list we can remember.

The Corporal Works of Mercy

feed the hungry
give drink to the thirsty
clothe the naked
shelter the homeless
visit the sick
visit the imprisoned
bury the dead

The Spiritual Works of Mercy

counsel the doubtful
instruct the ignorant
admonish sinners
comfort the afflicted
forgive offenses
bear wrongs patiently
pray for the living and the dead

Not everyone is drawn to the same works, some love to visit the sick while others more like teachers and gravitate towards instructing the ignorant or counseling the doubtful.  During this great Jubilee year we really need to look at these works, one at a time and try to practice them as best we can, again some may be more to our suiting but also the Lord may be pulling us out of our comfort zone.  Either way please pray about it and incorporate them into your life, they help build virtue and holiness and give us great joy knowing that we are being another Christ to someone\s.  We are bringing about the kingdom so that no matter what we are doing and where we are doing it we can say along with our Lord, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”  God bless you, Fr. John