REFLECTIONS TODAY

The Hebrew Bible speaks of malkut ha-samayim (Kingdom of heaven) where “heaven” is used in place of “God” out of reverence for his name. The primary sense of the Hebrew malkut is dynamic—that is, “sovereignty” or “royal rule.” Therefore, “the Kingdom of God” signifies God’s sovereign, dynamic, and eschatological rule.
Jesus’ teaching about the “Kingdom of God” has continuity with the Old Testament, but it also goes beyond it. First, entrance to the Kingdom is not confined to Jews. Isaiah’s vision of foreigners coming to worship the God of Israel (60:5-6) finds its fulfillment in Jesus attending to the petitions of non-Israelites. Second, the Kingdom is not a vague future hope, but is definite, imminent, and starts right here and now. The presence of Jesus among the people is the “today” of God’s Kingdom at work. Lastly, the Kingdom is connected with Jesus’ destiny, his mission, and his person. Hence, as the Gospel today proclaims, “the Kingdom of God is among you.” It is already present and active as people strive to live their faith in God through Jesus. It is “within our grasp”; it is “within us.”
GOSPEL • LUKE 17:20-25
Asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said in reply, “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.” Then he said to his disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. There will be those who will say to you, ‘Look, there he is,’ or ‘Look, here he is.’ Do not go off, do not run in pursuit. For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.”
SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2021,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.