You are not far from the Kingdom of God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season : Lenten Season :  Third Week :  Friday*

*Gospel :  Mark 12:28-34*

*First Reading : Hosea 14:1-9*

*Responsorial Psalm : 81: 6-17*

*You are not far from the Kingdom of God*

*1) The Biblical Moment: A Wise but Incomplete Response*

In the story, a scribe (a Jewish law expert) asks Jesus which commandment is the greatest. Jesus answers: Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength : Love your neighbor as yourself

The scribe agrees and adds that love is more important than sacrifices. Jesus sees the man’s sincerity and says: “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”

This is both a compliment and an invitation.

*2) What Does “Kingdom of God” Mean?*

The Kingdom of God is not mainly a political kingdom or physical territory.

In Jesus’ teaching it means: God’s reign in the human heart, Living under God’s will and love, A life transformed by faith, humility, and love, Participation in God’s new life

It is both present (spiritual reality now) and future (fulfilled in eternity).

*3) “Not Far” – Why Jesus Used These Words*

Jesus recognized something important in the scribe.

He was very close because: He understood the heart of God’s law. Love is the center of the law.

He had spiritual insight, He knew love mattered more than rituals. He was open and sincere. But he was not yet inside the Kingdom.

Why? Because understanding truth is not the same as entering it. 

Something more was needed: Trusting Jesus himself, Personal surrender to God,  Living the love he described.

So Jesus’ words are like saying: “You are close. Take the final step.”

*4) Being “Near” vs “Inside” the Kingdom*

*A) Not Far from the Kingdom* 

A person may be near the Kingdom when they: Respect God, Seek truth, Value love and justice, Understand spiritual teachings, Admire Jesus

But still: remain undecided, keep control of their life, avoid full commitment. It is intellectual agreement without full transformation.

*B) Inside the Kingdom*

According to Jesus, someone enters the Kingdom when: they repent and believe the Gospel, they trust God deeply, they live in love and humility, their life becomes shaped by God’s will

It is not just knowing the truth — it is living under God’s reign.

*5) A Powerful Spiritual Warning*

Many people are “close” but never enter.

Examples: Religious scholars who know scriptures but lack faith, People who admire Jesus but never follow him, People who value morality but avoid surrender to God

Being near the door is not the same as walking through it.

*6) Deeper Reflections*

*A) Knowledge Is Not Enough* : You can understand theology and still miss God. The scribe understood the commandment, but Jesus did not yet say he had entered the Kingdom. Faith requires a personal response.

*B) Love Is the Center of True Religion* : Jesus affirmed the scribe’s insight. The Kingdom is not about: rituals alone, religious performance, external obedience. It is about love of God and love of neighbor.

*C) God Sees Spiritual Progress) : Jesus did not condemn the scribe. Instead he encouraged him. This shows that God notices sincere seeking. Even small steps toward truth matter.

*D) The Final Step Is Trust in Christ* : The Kingdom is not entered by law-keeping alone. According to Christian theology, it comes through: faith, grace, relationship with Christ, The scribe was standing at the door.

Am I near the Kingdom — or inside it?

A person might: believe in God, respect Jesus, value love. Yet still keep distance from surrendering life to God.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*