God's Kingdom is within me and Around me

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 32nd Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 17:20-25*

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

*God's Kingdom is within me and Around me*

*1) The Kingdom of God is among you*

In today's Gospel Jesus makes a solemn proclamation about the Kingdom of God

He Says *the Kingdom of God is among you*. So it is not somewhere far away from us. Rather it is in and around us 

Since the Kingdom of God, has direct reference to the People of God, it can't be away from us

It must be in and around us 

*2) The Signs of the Kingdom of God*

The presence of Jesus brings about the Kingdom of God

The presence of forgiveness brings about the KOG

The presence of sacrifice brings about the KOG

The presence of humility brings about the KOG

The presence of generosity brings about the KOG

The presence and acceptance of cross  brings about the KOG

The presence of patience brings about the KOG

*3) The Presence of the Kingdom Values*

The presence of Kingdom Values which are mentioned above can be seen and exercised only in the lives of Human Being 

Apart from Human beings, these values have no significance

Likewise apart from Human Beings the Kingdom of God has no relevance

So Kingdom of God is always referred in the context of the wellbeing of the Human Beings

*4) The realisation of the Kingdom of God*

The presence of the Kingdom of God among us is 100% Sure. There is no doubt about it 

But the realisation and experiencing of the Kingdom of God, should be done by us 

Unless we work for it, nothing will happen, even if the Kingdom of God is present among us 

So mere presence of the KOG, does not make any difference, unless we work for it and realise it 

*5) The purpose of our Life*

It is to realise the presence of the Kingdom of God 

We must live our life in such a way that we must experience the kingdom of God in our life and in our surroundings 

If we fail to experience the Kingdom of God, in our life, then there is no meaning for our life

So am I trying to find the Kingdom of God, which is already hidden in my life and around me? 

What are the ways which I implement to find out the Kingdom of God?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*