Jesus’ core proclamation was simple but profound. He came proclaiming what Mark calls the “gospel of God:”
“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15).
A key if somewhat puzzling question is the meaning of the phrase “at hand.” Does it mean that the kingdom is here already or still to come? The Pharisees in today’s Gospel, therefore, have a legitimate question when they ask, “when the kingdom of God would come.” Jesus’ reply basically says look right in front of you:
“The coming of the kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or ‘There it is.’ For behold, the kingdom of God is among you.”
The Kingdom of God is present in Jesus’ healing ministry of welcoming outcasts and sinners and his authoritative teaching of the will of God.
As today’s Gospel goes on, we see there is not only a present aspect to the Kingdom but also a future aspect.
“The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.”
We should not be led astray by false messiahs be they religious or political leaders. We will clearly see and know when the Son of Man comes: “For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day.”
When we pray the Out Father, we pray for the coming of the Kingdom of God: “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” So, the Kingdom of God is present when God’s will is done on earth. Jesus showed us concretely what God’s will, it is welcoming outcasts and sinners, feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked. Whenever we are doing the works of God the Kingdom of God is at hand.
Image: “Twelve-Year-Old Jesus Teaching in the Temple” by Klearchos Kapoutsis is licensed under CC BY 2.0.