Memorial of St.
Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin
(Phil 7-20; Luke 17:20-25)
However arrogant the Pharisees appear in the gospels, they
also sincerely want to know about God.
In today’s gospel, the Pharisees ask Jesus when the Kingdom of God
will come about. Like us they long for a
society where everyone lives as God commands.
Jesus’ reply to the Pharisees resonates with what he has
said before. The Kingdom presents itself
gradually like wheat growing in a field.
It is there even as Jesus speaks.
As a matter a fact, it has come in the person of Jesus who stands before
them. It is found in us as well as we have
been incorporated into Christ through Baptism.
The Kingdom
of God is present when we
make ourselves “Advent Angels” or some other kind of caregiver. It is there when the man stops on the highway
to assist a driver with a flat tire and no idea how to jack up a car. It is found as well when we just smile and not
curse at the car which abruptly swerves into our lane.
