We are a joyful community of disciples proclaiming the Good News and inviting all people to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.
"The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce.”
(Luke 17: 20-25)
The Coming of the Kingdom of God
It is interesting how, from childhood, we hear those who guide us in the faith speak about the coming of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is already present; Jesus teaches us that it does not arrive in a visible or spectacular way but rather exists as a spiritual reality already in our midst. In this passage from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus speaks to the Pharisees and warns His disciples about His second coming.
When we consider this within our current context, it serves as a call to reflection: if the Kingdom of God is already among us—manifested through our own persons and our actions toward others—we must ask ourselves: What are we doing? How are we fulfilling our purpose? Are we prepared to carry our cross with faith and honor?
If Jesus—the Son of God—had to live and suffer, how much more so must we, who are sinners? What are we doing to show ourselves worthy of His love and mercy? Do we love our neighbor? Are we honest people? Do we carry the light of Christ wherever we go, or do we bring darkness?
Sometimes we might imagine that the Lord’s second coming will be a thunderous event, or that it will be heralded in the way the Pharisees expected—but that is not the case. We must be aware that it is near and that we need to be prepared. We should ask ourselves, are we ready?
Do you think the coming of the Kingdom of God is close?
Beloved Heavenly Father, help us to be prepared; help us to see You and Reflect You in our actions and words, so that we may be worthy to witness Your arrival. Amen.
“El Reino de Dios no llega aparatosamente.”
(Lucas 17, 20-25)
La Venida del Reino de Dios
Pero en realidad si lo ponemos en nuestro contexto actual, es un llamado a reflexion porque si el Reino de Dios esta ya entre nosotros, en nuestra persona y accion hacia los demas, debemos analizar que estamos haciendo? Como estamos cumpliendo con nuestro proposito, y si estamos dispuestos a cargar con nuestra cruz con fe y honor.
Si Jesus que es el Hijo de Dios, tuvo que vivir y padecer; imaginense nosotros que somos pecadores. Que estamos haciendo para ser merecedores de su amor y misericordia? Amamos a nuesto projimo? Somos personas honradas? Llevamos la luz de Cristo por donde vamos o llevamos oscuridad?
A veces pensamos que la segunda venida del Señor va a ser un estruendoso momento o que sera anunciado como lo creian los fariseos, pero no, realmente debemos estar conscientes de que esta cerca y de que debemos estar preparados.
Estas listo para la venida del Señor?
Crees que la venida del Reino de Dios esta cerca?
Amado Padre Celestial, Ayudanos a estar preparados, ayudanos a verte y reflejarte en nuestras acciones y palabras, para poder ser dignos de ver tu llegada. Amén.
Reflection by:
Maria Elena Attias (Elena as everyone knows her) was born in the Dominican Republic and came to Clearwater Florida with her family in 2016. She graduated as a lawyer in her native country, but has worked for more than 20 years in the Financial Administration area, where 11 years were at UNICEF Dominican Republic. She is a born and raised Catholic and her grandmother’s Marian devotion has inspired her in many ways to practice her faith. Elena is the Office of Finance Administrative Assistant at the Pastoral Center and has been in the Diocese since February 2024.