Today's readings offer a profound lesson on how to find God. The key lies in three words: Presence , Purity , and Perseverance . First, ...
Today's readings offer a profound lesson on how to find God. The key lies in three words: Presence, Purity, and Perseverance.
First, Presence. The Pharisees ask Jesus, "When is the Kingdom of God coming?" Jesus corrects their false expectation: "The Kingdom of God is among you," or as some translations say, "within you." The Kingdom is not a spectacle to be observed; it is the active Presence of God's rule here and now. We don't have to wait for a spectacular event to find God—His rule is active in our hearts, in our community, and in every act of love and mercy.
To recognize this Presence, we need Purity. The First Reading speaks of Wisdom as a "pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty," and that "nothing impure can find its way into her." Wisdom, which is a reflection of God’s goodness, seeks a soul free from malice and sin. If we want to experience the Kingdom of God’s Presence within, we must strive for Purity of heart and intention, for "God loves only those who dwell with Wisdom."
Finally, we need Perseverance. Jesus warns the disciples that they will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but they must not be misled by false signs. We must have the Perseverance to hold onto our faith, to remain in God's wisdom, and to continue seeking His Kingdom in the quiet, interior places of our lives. Don't be fooled by the clamor of the world; the Kingdom of God is a matter of Presence, sought with Purity, and held fast with Perseverance. Amen.
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