KINGDOM OF GOD
The Kingdom of God is a central theme throughout Scripture, representing God’s sovereign rule and reign over all creation. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus begins his ministry by proclaiming, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mk 1:15). This announcement sets the stage for understanding the Kingdom as both a present reality and a future hope.
Biblical References
1. Old Testament Foundations: The concept of God’s kingship can be traced back to the Old Testament. In Exodus 15:18, we read, “The LORD will reign forever and ever.” The Psalms also reflect this idea, with Psalm 103:19 stating, “The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.”
2. Jesus’ Teachings: The Kingdom of God is a central message in Jesus’ preaching. In Luke 17:20-21, Jesus explains that the Kingdom of God is not coming with observable signs but is already among us.
3. Parables of the Kingdom: Jesus often used parables to describe the Kingdom of God, illustrating its nature and values. For example, in Matthew 13:31-32, He compares the Kingdom to a mustard seed, which starts small but grows into the largest of garden plants, symbolizing the expansive and inclusive nature of God’s reign.
4. A Present and Future Reality: The Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. In Matthew 6:10, in the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” This highlights the ongoing realization of God’s kingdom on earth and its ultimate fulfillment in heaven.
Difference from the Worldly Kingdom
The Kingdom of God differs fundamentally from worldly kingdoms in its nature and purpose:
1. Nature of Authority: Worldly kingdoms often exercise authority through power and control. In contrast, the Kingdom of God is characterized by service and humility. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mt 20:26).
2. Values: Worldly kingdoms value wealth, power, and status. The Kingdom of God values meekness, mercy, and peacemaking. The Beatitudes (Mt 5:3-12) outline these values, emphasizing blessings on the poor in spirit, those who mourn, and the pure in heart.
3. Inclusion: Worldly kingdoms can be exclusive and divisive. The Kingdom of God is inclusive and unites people from all nations. In Galatians 3:28, Paul states, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
4. Eternal Perspective: Worldly kingdoms are temporary and often focused on immediate gains. The Kingdom of God has an eternal perspective. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), indicating that it transcends earthly concerns and endures forever.
Church as the Kingdom of God and Heaven as Its Fullness
The Church, as established by Christ, serves as a visible sign and instrument of the Kingdom of God on earth. In Catholic teaching, the Church is intimately connected to the Kingdom, acting as its seed and beginning. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “To carry out the will of the Father Christ inaugurated the kingdom of heaven on earth. The Church is the seed and beginning of this kingdom” (CCC 763). This understanding emphasizes the Church’s role in manifesting God’s reign in the world while acknowledging that its fullness will only be realized in heaven.
1. Sacramental Life: The sacraments, especially the Eucharist, are seen as encounters with the Kingdom. In the Eucharist, believers experience a foretaste of the heavenly banquet (Lk 22:16-18).
2. Community of Believers: The Church, as a community, reflects the Kingdom’s values of love, justice, and peace. Acts 2:42-47 describes the early Christian community living out these values through fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
3. Mission: The Church’s mission is to proclaim the Kingdom of God and make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19-20). This mission continues the work of Jesus and anticipates the fullness of the Kingdom in heaven.
4. Heaven as Fulfillment: The fullness of the Kingdom of God will be realized in heaven, where God’s reign is complete and eternal. Revelation 21:1-4 describes the new heaven and new earth, where God dwells with His people, wiping away every tear and eliminating death and suffering.
REFLECTION
As followers of Christ, we are called to live as citizens of God’s Kingdom in the midst of earthly realms. This dual citizenship challenges us to embody the values of the Kingdom – love, mercy, and justice – in our daily lives. We must remember that our primary allegiance is to God’s reign, which often stands in contrast to worldly systems and values.
The Church’s role as a sign of the Kingdom invites us to actively participate in its mission. Through acts of charity, pursuit of justice, and proclamation of the Gospel, we contribute to making God’s Kingdom more visible in our world. At the same time, we must maintain a humble awareness that the full realization of the Kingdom is God’s work, not ours.
Let us be encouraged by the promise of the Kingdom’s fulfillment in heaven, allowing this hope to inspire our present actions. As we pray “Thy Kingdom come” in the Lord’s Prayer, may we commit ourselves to being instruments of God’s reign, transforming our communities and the world around us through lives of faith, hope, and love.
In embracing our identity as Kingdom people, we are called to be a light in the darkness, salt of the earth, and witnesses to the transformative power of God’s love. May we live each day with the awareness that we are part of something greater than ourselves – the eternal Kingdom of God, which transcends all earthly boundaries and offers hope for all of creation.