SAINT MARTIN OF TOURS, BISHOP (MEMORIAL)

The Kingdom of God is among you.

You can imagine one of the Pharisees saying to another, “Wait! Is Jesus saying that the kingdom of God is already here? What about the Romans? We’re still an occupied nation. This sure doesn’t feel like the kingdom of God!” Looking around at our world, we might come to a similar conclusion. But the kingdom of God is not about a location or even the regime in power; it’s about a new way of relating to one another that brings healing and freedom.

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, he didn’t just talk about the kingdom of God. He also demonstrated it as he blessed, loved, forgave, healed, and served the people he was speaking to. His own life demonstrated the kingdom: he didn’t hold any grudges, put on airs, or distance himself from the poor and the needy. In fact, he went out of his way to welcome them and show them God’s mercy. He also taught about this way of relating through parables that highlighted forgiveness over vengeance and service over being served.

Take a look at your relationships. There is probably more of the kingdom of God in your midst than you think! Every time you lend a sympathetic ear to someone who needs to talk, every time you help with the cleaning, every time you serve in your parish, the kingdom of God is there. Whenever you pray, it is there. It’s present in every situation in which you choose to love the people around you, even when they’re not being particularly lovable.

That’s encouraging, isn’t it? The kingdom of God is among you!

Today, think about how you can bring the kingdom of God into just one relationship. Look for an opportunity to encourage someone, to forgive, or to be an instrument of God’s presence. It doesn’t have to be dramatic and life changing. It just has to be upbuilding and life affirming. You are a citizen of God’s kingdom and an ambassador for Christ. That means that you can bring his presence wherever you go. You can make a difference!

“Thank you, Lord, for making me a citizen of your kingdom. Empower me to be a blessing to everyone I meet today.”

Wisdom 7:22–8:1
Psalm 119:89-91, 130, 135, 175
Luke 17:20-25