How to understand the Concept :"The Kingdom of God is among you"

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season 32nd  Week - Thursday*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 17:20-25*

*First Reading - Wis 7:22b-8:1*

*How to understand the Concept :"The Kingdom of God is among you"*

*1) Jesus and  the Kingdom of God*

When Jesus speaks about the Kingdom of God, He says that *The Kingdom of God is among you.*

If so how to find out it or How to experience it. To have such an experience we need to know the Qualities of the Kingdom of God

The Life and ministry of Jesus clearly show us the various qualities of the Kingdom of God. 

*2) The Qualities of the Kingdom of God*

Forgiveness

Sacrifice

Humility

Self-denial 

Sharing

Trust in God

Speaking well about others 

Serving the needy

Ready to die for another 

Fight against temptation, sin and devil 

Preaching the Word through ones lived life

Witnessing Christ

Preferential option for the poor 

Taking care of the Sick 

Respecting another human being, his/her faith and religion 

Trying to live with religious harmony

Defeating the communalism, division, hatred, based on religion and culture

Living our life with truth and justice 

Practicing the value of sincerity in life 

Strong determination to serve the Lord 

*3) Where are these Qualities?*

These above mentioned qualities not found any where out side in the World 

All the above mentioned qualities have direct connection to our practical lived life 

These above mentioned qualities can exist only with Human life and not out side of our life 

These qualities can be practiced only by the human beings and not other beings 

So these qualities are found inside of us or in the life of the Human Being. 

*4) Practing these qualities in life gives birth to the Kingdom of God*

When one practices the above mentioned qualities of the Kingdom of God, the birth of Kingdom of God takes place in our life 

So it is we who have give birth to the Kingdom of God in our life. 

Unless we give birth to the Kingdom of God in our life, it can't grow in our life 

Am I ready to give birth to the Kingdom of God in my life, by practicing these qualities??

*5) There is no meaning for our life, Unless we find the Kingdom of God in our life*

Jesus clearly says that *the Kingdom of God is among you*

So it is our duty to find out where this Kingdom of God is?

As we live our life with these values we will experience the Kingdom of God in our life. That is the purpose of our life

So the Kingdom of God is within me. God has placed it in my life. My duty is to realise it, by practicing its qualities in our life.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*