The Kingdom of God was always in the mind of Jesus. We are
given three parables in our Gospel today (Mt. 13:44-52). These parables are
about the hidden treasure, the pearl, and the dragnet. When we talk about
parables, Biblical scholars would say that they talk about the Kingdom of God,
what it is all about, and how it comes about.
In the
Old Testament, the Kingdom of God refers to the provident and protective
kingship of God over the chosen people. The fruit of this Kingdom is a whole
moral order of peace, justice, and mercy.
In the
New Testament, Jesus proclaimed that the Kingdom of God is near at hand (Mt. 4:17). So he called for conversion and repentance and for watchfulness. He also
said that the Kingdom of God was for everyone.
If you
ask me what my own definition of the Kingdom of God is, I would admit to you
that I would refer to the teachings of the Church. It is when we accept and do
God’s will and promote the values of
God’s Kingdom: truth, justice, love, and peace. If these values rule our lives,
it means that God’s Kingdom is reigning in our hearts, in our community and
society.
But
take a look around us. Can we say that God’s Kingdom reigns in the hearts and
minds of people? We can say ‘ Yes and No.’ How
can we realize this Kingdom in our lives?
For
me, it is very simple. I will give you some practical guidelines for a
Christian: share your Time, Talent and Treasure to the needy, Love more simply,
offer hospitality, support the bereaved, admonish the sinner, spread the Good News of the Kingdom of God, counsel the doubtful, comfort the lonely, bear
wrongs patiently, forgive all injuries, free your heart from hatred, free your
mind from worry, expect less and live simply, and pray for the living and the
dead.
These
are very simple and very practical things.
These deeds are not impossible to practice and let us do them joyfully.
By Fr.
Rajesh Minz, UK.
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