From the Friars: The Kingdom is Here

Today we hear once again about the beginning of Jesus’ public life and His declaring that “the Kingdom of God is at hand.” (Mk 1:15) The Catechism, quoting the Second Vatican Council, teaches us that the Catholic Church is “on earth the seed and beginning of that kingdom.” (par. 541) The authority of the King is delegated to St. Peter and the Apostles, and to their successors. It is a visible reality but is also within the heart of every believer. (Lk 17:21) Jesus commands us to seek first His Kingdom above any earthly concerns. (Mt 6:33)

As we enter another election year and are bombarded with political messages and images, it is very important to remember that the Kingdom of God is not of this world, in the sense of being an earthly power. (Jn18:36) It is said that politics is the art of compromise, but there are limits to what can be compromised. St. Teresa of Calcutta would say that God does not ask us for success, but for fidelity.

In the eyes of the world, the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ was a complete failure. They mocked Him on the Cross. Yet by His fidelity to the Father’s Will He conquered death itself and gained an eternal Kingdom. It is true that we must be light, salt and leaven in the world, according to our vocations, but always remembering the eternal perspective. And let us also remember where the real power is.

At the wedding Feast of Cana, Our Blessed Mother asked her son to work a miracle for a couple in need. He changed His plan because of her charity. A holy cloistered nun, living in complete hiddenness from the world, has more power than the President of the United States when she has the ear and heart of the King of Kings.

So let us not spend an excessive amount of time following the details of political campaigns when we could be on our knees, begging the Lord of Glory to have mercy on His people. Let us employ the great weapon of the Holy Rosary to conquer hearts for the Kingdom of God.

Pax et Bonum.

–Fr. Peter