Today’s Gospel:  Luke 17:20-25

REFLECTION
Verses 20-21 of today’s Gospel are somewhat difficult to interpret. It is not quite clear what Christ meant to infer; and cognizance must be taken of the two possible renderings of the text. One Bible version renders the passage thus: “... the kingdom of God is within you, (in your hearts) and among you (surrounding you).” Historical records attest the simple fact that no matter of importance equalled that pertaining to the coming of the Messiah, and the establishment of His kingdom. The Pharisees discussed these matters continuously and their question to the Savior was therefore to be expected. The Lord’s answer seemed to suggest the impossibility of detecting the coming and the presence of the kingdom by sitting still watching for external signs. The word suggests a doctor sitting beside a patient, and looking, waiting for some signs which would assist a diagnosis. Two ideas seem to be in conflict here - the Pharisees looking without, and Christ looking within. They were only concerned with an earthly kingdom; with headquarters at Jerusalem; Christ thought more of a spiritual kingdom centered in men’s hearts. If the former of the suggested interpretations be correct, then He was trying to teach this very truth. If the latter be more acceptable, then He was endeavoring to explain that the kingdom of which they spoke had already come, for He in very deed and truth was the King. His followers were already increasing in number, and in a spiritual sense at least the true kingdom of God was beginning to take shape all around them. It cannot be claimed from the text that the kingdom of God was within the hearts of the proud, and sometimes, antagonistic Pharisees.

The rest of today’s Gospel seems to fall under three simple headings. (1) BE COURAGEOUS. The future will be filled with peril and difficulties and the burdens to be carried will sometimes be intolerably heavy. So great will be the suffering that disciples will yearn for the coming of the kingdom if only to obtain relief. Jesus said, “Be courageous - carry your burdens with fortitude.” (2) BE CALM. When things are going from bad to worse, there will always be those whose doctrines persuade you to run here, there, and everywhere in search of new revelation of truth. New movements will spiral from nowhere, and many Christians will be swept along by every wind of doctrine. Jesus said, “Be calm – do not go after them.” (3) BE CONFIDENT. The Savior will come. You may not be able to tell the exact moment, for as suddenly as the lightning flashes in the night, so suddenly will the Lord return. Therefore, at any moment, your tribulation might end. Jesus said, “Be confident, the Lord knows the way that you take, and, when He has tried you, you will come forth as gold.”


Today’s Reading:  Philemon 1:7-20

PRAYER
Lord, I believe that you are within us and working with us.  Your kingdom is here and now, and you are the king.  Let me honor you and serve you.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.