Far, Near and Inside the Kingdom of God : Three Spiritual Positions

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Ninth Week:  Thursday*

*Gospel :  Mark 12:28-34*

*First Reading : 2 Tim 2:8-15*

*Responsorial Psalm : 25: 4-14*

*Far, Near and Inside the Kingdom of God : Three Spiritual Positions*

*1) Three Spiritual Positions*

*A) Far from the Kingdom of God* 

A person is "far" from the Kingdom when they neither understand nor desire God's will.

Characteristics may include: Religious indifference, Self-centered living, Knowledge without love, Resistance to truth and conversion.

In the Gospels, some religious leaders knew Scripture but opposed Jesus. Their knowledge did not lead them to God.

Reflection: One can be physically close to religion yet spiritually distant from God. The issue is not information but transformation.

*B) Near the Kingdom of God*

The scribe in Mark is an example of someone who is "near." Why? 

He sincerely seeks truth.

He understands the heart of God's law.

He recognizes that love is greater than ritual.

He is open to Jesus' teaching.

Yet Jesus does not say, "You are in the Kingdom." He says, "You are not far from it."

This suggests that intellectual agreement and moral insight are important but not sufficient.

The scribe understood the Kingdom, but he still had to make a personal response to Jesus.

Reflection: Many people today may be near the Kingdom: They admire Jesus. They value compassion and justice. They understand Christian teaching. They appreciate faith.

Yet they have not fully surrendered themselves to God. Being near the Kingdom is a privileged but also a dangerous place. One can remain near for years without entering.

*C) Inside the Kingdom of God*

To be "inside" the Kingdom means living under God's reign.

According to Jesus' teaching, this involves: Faith in God. Repentance. Following Christ. A life shaped by love.

The Kingdom is not merely a future destination; it is God's rule active in a person's life now.

Someone inside the Kingdom seeks to: Love God wholeheartedly. Love others sacrificially. Allow God to shape decisions, relationships, and priorities.

Reflection: The Kingdom is entered not simply by knowing the greatest commandment but by living it.

*2) Why Is Jesus' Statement So Significant?*

Jesus recognizes genuine goodness in the scribe.

This is remarkable because many of Jesus' conversations with scribes are confrontational. Here He acknowledges spiritual progress.

The statement teaches that: Understanding precedes entering. 

The scribe had moved beyond empty ritualism and grasped the essence of God's law.

Nearness is not the same as participation.

A person can be close to truth without fully embracing it. God sees spiritual movement.

Jesus notices every step toward Him. He does not dismiss the scribe because he is not yet fully there.

*3) A Deeper Spiritual Reflection*

Imagine three locations: 

*A) Far Away* : You cannot see the city.

*B) Near the City* : You can see the gates and understand its beauty.

*C) Inside the City* : You have entered and become a citizen.

The scribe had reached the gates of the Kingdom. He recognized its values and its King. The unanswered question is whether he would take the final step and follow Jesus.

This passage invites every reader to ask:

Am I merely knowledgeable about God, or do I truly love Him?

Am I content to admire Jesus, or am I following Him?

Have I reduced faith to religious practice, or has God's love transformed my life?

Am I near the Kingdom, or am I living within it?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*