Regnum Dei | God's Kingdom

But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for God’s Kingdom.” - Luke 9:62  (WEB)

 

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One of the great themes throughout the Bible is the Kingdom of God. It was also the main theme of the preaching of  Jesus Christ, as well as John the Baptist and the apostle Paul. At the time of Jesus’ ministry, His disciples and others were expecting an Earthly kingdom. At that stage, they did not understand that His kingdom was totally different from any Earthly kingdom.

In the Kingdom of God, the values are totally opposite from any worldly values.  For example, conventional status is non-existent in the kingdom of God because the least important people become the most important people.  In Luke 9: 46, we read about the disciples’ argument about their status and who is the most important. This shows a weakness in pride and exclusivity because this particular issue reappears in Luke 22 again. This is such a common issue even in modern times today. Jesus' answer is in Luke 9:48 – “For whoever is least among you all, this one will be great.” Jesus also illustrates this principle by letting a child stand next to Him.  Give priority to those that are the least in the ranks of normal society.

Jesus Christ emphasizes this very important principle of status once again in Luke 18: 16-17: “Allow the little children to come to me, and don’t hinder them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these. Most certainly, I tell you, whoever doesn’t receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.” Jesus’ teachings are totally opposite to the values of society today. Let’s look at people from the perspective of God’s kingdom.

Jesus Christ also teaches us that we should not look back.  Luke 9: 62 - But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for God’s Kingdom.” Focusing on God’s ministry and being His disciples and His children, is all about focus. We should not keep looking back. The apostle Paul says in Philippians 3:13 - “but one thing I do: forgetting the things which are behind and stretching forward to the things which are before”.

There are so many reasons that let us keep looking back in our lives. Like Lot’s wife that looked back (Genesis 19:26), it might be disappointments or regrets in life. Or things we hoped for, but did not happen. Or just ordinary worldly distractions. It is so very easy to get distracted by worldly cares, problems and even pleasures. This prevents us from keeping our focus and to stretch forward to God's Kingdom. He is using us for His Kingdom right where we are now.

Let’s pray that the Lord will help us to focus on His Kingdom and not to look back.

Reflection on Luke 9: 46 – 62 by Hanne Teach

(Listen to podcast here)

Sicut Parvulus | Like this Child

"Who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven" — Mat 18:4 (NJB). 

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Christmas is about Child Jesus who was born in Bethlehem. Mathew the Evangelist explains more about this little Child. First of all, he shows us that Jesus humbled himself and was born as a small baby in the manger (Mat 1:18). In this way, we learn a very important lesson on how to forget about ourselves. Although Jesus was an almighty God, he became a child and lived among us. Even blessed Mary and Joseph wondered why he chose such a humble status. But he did and showed us who was the greatest in the kingdom of God.

Then Mathew writes us more about the dignity of all children. "The little ones have their own angels in heaven who always look upon the face of heavenly Father" (v. 10). The face of Child Jesus was turned towards the heavens because there was his heavenly throne. When a baby is born, they also look up into the sky. We adults stop doing so because we focus on material things more than the spiritual realm. Thus, we become more and more involved in this world and sadder and sadder.

During Christmas time we are to change our perspective. We cannot forget about our reality and duties, but we can reflect more about our heavenly home. Our Father does not want us to lose any of our dreams from our childhood. But God the Father makes our dreams come true. He is a faithful Father who never abandons his beloved ones. The Son of God also teaches us about his Father who handles all humanity.

We cannot forget about the fact that we were born as little ones as well. So the Child Jesus lives in our souls even if we get older and older. Let us discover our dignity as beloved children who see their heavenly Father. Let us keep our dreams in our hearts. Let us live with holy angels who always support us on the path to the heavenly kingdom.

Reflection on Mathew 18:1-18 by Fr. Józef Trzebuniak SVD.

(Listen to the Podcast here)

  

Patientia | Patience

“Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” - Mark 7: 28 (NIV)

 

In today's Gospel, the Lord Jesus cast out a demon who possessed a daughter of a Syrophoenician woman. Even though at first the Lord Jesus responded to her very harshly, the woman accepted his words patiently, calmly - full of faith. Because of her attitude and openness to God, her daughter was healed.

Today the Catholic Church commemorates the World Day of the Sick. We are often not physically sick but mentally because we are bound by hatred, resentment and hurt. Let us imitate this Syrophoenician woman who was patient and calm even though she received harsh words and treatment.

Sometimes harsh rebuke and words are one of God's teachings for us to be more patient. May we not return evil for evil. Let's pray that God will heal all our hurt and inner wounds.

Reflection on Mark 7: 24-30 by Fr. Fransiskus Diaz, SVD

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Venite ad me (Mt. 11:28)

When we are sick, we need to rest. After work, we want to relax. It's obvious and natural. We know this process very well. However, we sometimes forget that not only our body can be exhausted but also our soul. We pay attention and check the temperature of our body. But how to take care of our soul? How to know that our inner part is in need?

Jesus invites us to come to him and wants to help us. For sure we cannot live without him. Moreover, we are not able to understand ourselves without Christ properly. For that reason, we ought to be close to Jesus. We often labour and are overburdened. We look for the rest in the Holy Spirit. 

And Jesus does not teach us that we should give up. He does not tell us lies. On the contrary, he says: "Take your cross and follow me. Yes, you can. I will give you strength. On your own, you will probably fall down. But if you become humble and gentle in your heart, you will find rest for your soul".

When your soul is similar to Jesus' soul, you are the strongest. Your power does not come from you, but from your heavenly Father. From this moment, everything happens to be easy. 

You are a child of God. The beloved child who is always in God's hands. You are never alone. Jesus Christ lives in you and the Holy Spirit abides in you. So you are to praise the Lord, Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Only in him you will find resting place for your whole being - for your body and your soul. 

By Fr. Jozef Trzebuniak SVD.