Thursday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
It is often pointed out that the term “Kingdom of God” is better rendered “Reign of God.” The reason given is that “Reign” indicates a dynamism more than a territory. Something similar may be said about “heaven,” another term given for the Kingdom of God . Although people may point to the sky when they say, “heaven”; the word better represents a condition of loving peace than a physical locale. In today’s gospel, Jesus stretches the idea of Kingdom of God even more.
Jesus tells the Pharisees that the Kingdom of God is neither a place nor a thing. He adds that it is “among” them. He is referring to a relationship with himself. The Kingdom of God is friendship with Jesus. He provides all the security and support, the joy and the affection that makes life worth living. Since he will rise from the dead, the Kingdom of God will likewise never know a sunset.
Jesus extends his hand to form a relationship with us daily. He is present to us physically in the Eucharist where we actually take him into ourselves. The experience does not diminish him, but it does expand us. Having his love and support, we can become as gracious as he allowing us to bring the Kingdom to others.
