31st Sunday B (10.31.21)
the kingdom of God is pure grace
Lk 17:21 “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.” also draws attention to the present and unexpected character of God’s kingdom.
Thy kingdom come’, as also in the key text of Mk 1:14–15 (Mt 4:17) that describes God’s kingdom as ‘near’ or ‘nearing’, but not yet present
The beatitudes themselves, with their promise of a future blessing and justification, present the kingdom as an event yet to occur.
The future reality of the kingdom invades (and determines) the present situation. The real and definitive destiny of humankind, when evil will have been vanquished, justice reinstated and humanity’s craving for life and peace fully satisfied, remains a future experience, but the contours of this future—a future that reveals God’s entire purpose for humanity—contribute to defining what human life should be already in the present.
Jesus not only proclaims the nearness of the kingdom of God (Mt 4:17) but also teaches us to pray “thy kingdom come” and “thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven
You shall be holy, because I, the Lord, your God, am holy.” Lev 19:2).
It can be discovered only in Jesus and his mission, and in the characteristic virtues of which he offers an example during his ministry. In the actions of Jesus, referred to above (Mt 12:28; Lk 11:20), God’s kingdom is experienced. His exorcisms and his healings effect a real defeat of evil and of the Evil One’s power over the body and over the human person; such is the liberation associated with God’s kingdom. Jesus’ ministry also expresses his compassion for the sick who crowd around him (cf. Mt 9:35–36), whom he welcomes into the Kingdom of God (Mt 4:23–25; 15:29–31). Such a welcome exemplifies Jesus’ teaching on the kingdom (e.g., the parables on mercy in Lk 15 and on the banquet in Lk 14).
At the banquet of the kingdom, in perfect communion with Jesus and with the Father, the new covenant reaches its fullness and the promise “I will be their God and they shall be my people” (Jer 31:33b; cf. Rev 21:3) will be fulfilled entirely.
He proclaims the nearness of the kingdom of God, to be heard and accepted through conversion and faith. A change of mentality is needed, new ways of thought and a new vision, conditioned by God’s kingdom, perceived through the wisdom of faith.
With the invitation “Follow me!” (Mk 1:17) he presents himself as a guide who knows both the destination and the way to reach it; he offers at the same time to those whom he calls, communion of life with him and the example of how to tread the way he indicates. He thus shows what is meant by the preceding command “Repent and believe” (1:15); the disciples live out their conversion and their faith by accepting his invitation and by placing their trust in his guidance.
With the invitation “Follow me!” (Mk 1:17) he presents himself as a guide who knows both the destination and the way to reach it; he offers at the same time to those whom he calls, communion of life with him and the example of how to tread the way he indicates. He thus shows what is meant by the preceding command “Repent and believe” (1:15); the disciples live out their conversion and their faith by accepting his invitation and by placing their trust in his guidance.
