The Kingdom of God is in our midst

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THE Gospel for Thursday of the 32 nd Week in Ordinary Times (Luke 17:20-25)

invites us to see God's kingdom with fresh eyes. The Pharisees asked Jesus when the

Kingdom of God would come. They expected something dramatic and unmistakable.

Christ answered that the Kingdom was already in their midst because he himself was

present among them.

The same misunderstanding can affect us today. We sometimes think God acts

only through extraordinary events, overwhelming emotions, or spectacular miracles. We

wait for something remarkable while overlooking the quiet but real ways he is already

working in our daily lives.

Jesus says that God's kingdom does not come with outward display. It begins

wherever people welcome his grace, obey his word, and allow him to reign in their

hearts. Before transforming the world, God first transforms the human heart.

This truth changes how we look at ordinary life. Every honest day's work, every

hidden sacrifice, every sincere prayer, and every act of kindness becomes a place

where God's reign quietly grows. Holiness is not built through rare achievements but

through ordinary duties carried out with love.

Jesus also speaks about his glorious return. He warns his disciples not to follow

those who say, "Look, here he is," or "There he is." The Lord discourages unhealthy

curiosity about the end of the world and instead teaches faithful perseverance in the

present.

That lesson is especially relevant today. We are surrounded by sensational news,

alarming predictions, and voices claiming special knowledge about the future. The

Gospel calls us to remain calm, grounded, and focused on living faithfully each day

instead of being distracted by speculation.

When Christ comes again, no one will need to announce it. His return will be as

unmistakable as lightning flashing across the sky. Rather than trying to predict that day,

we should make sure our hearts are always ready to welcome him.

Before speaking of his glory, Jesus reminds his disciples that the Son of Man

must first suffer and be rejected. This pattern also shapes every Christian life. The

Cross always comes before the crown. Growth in holiness often requires sacrifice,

patience, and perseverance.

This truth brings hope during life's trials. Difficulties do not mean God has

abandoned us. United with Christ, every burden can become an offering of love, every

disappointment an occasion to trust him more deeply, and every hardship a step toward

lasting joy.

The Gospel also reminds us that we help extend God's kingdom wherever we

are. Families become stronger when forgiveness replaces resentment. Workplaces

improve when honesty overcomes compromise. Communities flourish when generosity

triumphs over selfishness. God's reign spreads quietly through faithful people.

Several practical resolutions naturally follow. Begin each day by asking Christ to

reign in your thoughts, words, and actions. Spend a few moments daily in silent prayer

to recognize his presence. Carry out your ordinary duties with love and care. Refuse to

be distracted by sensational claims about the future, and remain firmly rooted in the

Church's faith. Accept daily crosses with confidence, knowing they prepare you for

greater union with Christ.

The Kingdom of God is not far away. It is already growing wherever Christ is

welcomed. If we allow him to reign in our hearts today, we will face the future with peace

instead of fear, faithfully walking with him until the day he returns in glory.