Reflection
As Christians we believe that through Jesus God came to perfect human expression. Jesus brought humanity to a new level of awareness. He is central to our understanding of who God is and what God is like. This new way of knowing God as proclaimed by Jesus is a way of love, freedom, justice, compassion and unity among all living things. He called it God’s kingdom- the reign of God. Advent calls us to renewed preparation for this experience of God’s reign. Through a transformative change in our lives, we are called to reconnect with the living God.
Prayer
Your God is near.
Action
Consider the differences between human “kingdoms” and God’s kingdom. What transformative changes are needed? What small but significant change can you make in your own life?
Suggested Reading
Rejoice in the Lord always.
I shall say it again: rejoice!
Your kindness should be known to all.
The Lord is near.
Phil 4:4-7
The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark 1:15
Before all else, the Gospel invites us to respond to the God of love who saves us, to see God in others and to go forth from ourselves to seek the good of others.
Pope Francis
Jesus embodied the radically amazing advance in consciousness that enabled humankind to respond fully and completely to the radiant love of the Divine.
Judy Cannato
The reign of God is the presence of God unfolding in our communities and churches and nations and in social groups calling us to change our lives and transform the whole of society.
Cletus Wessels
The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity by contributing to the establishment of the kingdom of God, which can only be done by the recognition and profession of the truth by every man.
Leo Tolstoy
Jesus made clear that the Kingdom of God is organic and not organizational. It grows like a seed and it works like leaven: secretly, invisibly, surprisingly, and irresistibly.
Os Guinness
In what sense, then, did Jesus declare that the Kingdom of God was present? Our answer must at least begin with His own answer to John: “The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the Gospel preached to them.” In the ministry of Jesus Himself the divine power is released in effective conflict with evil.
C.H.Dodd
The kingdom of God is an alternative arrangement of human society around Jesus which leads to human flourishing.
Brian Zahnd
The kingdom of God manifests itself in the modest changes in our attitudes and in the little improvements in our behavior that no one may notice, including ourselves. These are the mighty works of God, not great external accomplishments.
Thomas Keating