The Reign of Brothers and Sisters

Thursday, 32nd week in Ordinary Time

November 14, 2024: Philemon 7-20; Luke 17: 20-25

The Reign of God is among you, reminds Jesus. This has been a revolutionary teaching of the Lord for ages; it has incited liberation movements and over thrown some inhuman systems. Today the reminder returns - to make present, to feel the presence and to accept the obligation presented to us by the Reign of God in our day to day life.

It is true. The Reign of God is not merely some sort of a regime to be imported into an already existing system; it is a mentality, a way of life, a culture to be nurtured and nourished into full growth from amidst us. Our daily life, our normal relationships, our outlook on others, our convictions towards true humanity - that is truly the Reign of God. More than an expectation, Reign of God is a responsibility.

One of the responsibilities of the Reign is to look at everyone as brothers and sisters and not in terms of subject or as objects. To look at a person, accept the inherent dignity of the person and to give the person the due without grudging, is to promote the Reign. To let go of divisive mentalities and competitive spirits and to look at everyone as a co-pilgrim on this journey called life, is the mentality of the Reign.

The Reign of God is here, I need to begin to feel it; I need to work to make it present; and I need to spread it across in the Spirit and through everything you are involved in.