32nd Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 12th November 2020 — Gospel: Lk 17,20-25
Kingdom is living the Present
Jesus answers the question about the future coming of the kingdom, not only for the people of the present times, but also for those who through the ages posed the same question. In fact, Jesus visualizes about the future to the present and past generations. In his response, Jesus does not speak of the time when the kingdom will come, but speaks about the very nature of the kingdom. He answers the question in two ways. First, He claims that the Kingdom of God has already begun. It is in the midst of those who listen to Jesus, who is among them now. It is at work for people who have received good news. It is like lightning, which is seen everywhere and by everyone. Those who believe already enjoy this kingdom. Secondly, Jesus cautions against false proclaimers of the end times. He says that the end times will not come as a revolution or like the change of the seasons each year. No human knows for sure when the final days will be. Jesus warns his disciples, both then and now, not to get worked up when they hear about the doomsday. Those who announce that they know the moment of the Parousia are trying to control others and take away their free will. Jesus requests his disciples to live the present moment and to live meaningfully. Obsession about the future doesn’t help us to live fully the life we have here and now. As a sign, Jesus forecasts his own death.
