Here and Now

32nd Week in Ordinary Time - Thursday (15 November 2018)

Philemon 1:7-20. Psalm 146. Luke 17:20-25.

“The Kingdom of God is among you.”

Here is a beautiful passage from Luke instructing us that the Kingdom of God (reign of God) is among us here and now. Jesus was asked by some Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come. In their mind, it was a definitive time that would be suddenly realised by the arrival of a triumphant Messiah-King. Jesus says it is not going to be like that at all. The Kingdom cannot be found by looking around for dramatic signs so that you can say it is ‘here’ or ‘there.’ No, says Jesus, “the reign of God is already in your midst.” In other words, it is right in front of them.

For some of us God and His Kingdom is either a past concept, or a future concept. But today's gospel is clear about it. The Kingdom is a present reality. God is present here and now, He can only be experienced at the present moment. We need to bring our minds and hearts to what is present, what is given to us at this moment, in which God is to be found fully and concretely. This moment is as perfect as it can be. The saints called this the “sacrament of the present moment.”

If God is present for us, and if His Kingdom is already active, then the most sacred moment is now and the most sacred place is here. God is not far away. He is not far away from my joys and sorrows, troubles and struggles. He is not far away from my problems and weaknesses. He is truly present in this place, in this time. It means everything around us can become a sacrament. The reign of God is already here among us and we need look no further than the daily experiences of our own lives to know and experience the power and presence of Christ Jesus.

Therefore, this universe is a safe place, this time of history is just meant for me arranged by God, for my growth and development into a mature and happy human person. I can truly know that the world is okay as it is, and that things are okay as they are. God is present for me, but I can miss Him and His Kingdom easily looking for greater dramatic signs. For me it’s enough to know that I am really okay and the world is okay, too. All is well in my world! Here and Now!