In today’s Gospel reading from Luke 17, the Pharisees ask Jesus when the Kingdom of God would come. What they didn’t realize was that they were standing in it. Jesus replies, “The Kingdom of God is among you.”
Jesus then goes on to warn His disciples about those who would tell them that “the days of the Son of Man” were at hand. He says, “There will be those who will say to you, ‘Look, there he is,’ or ‘Look, here he is.’ Do not go off, do not run in pursuit.”
Advertisers know that people love to chase after the new, shiny thing. That's why you often see "New and Improved!" on a product. When our lives become mundane or stale, we need something new and flashy to occupy our minds. It’s how we’re wired. Maybe that’s why so many people leave the Catholic faith. Mass is just the same old thing, week after week. Perhaps we should remember Jesus’ words. The Kingdom of God is here; Jesus is truly present on the altar! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. That “shiny thing” you’re seeking is right under your nose!
Father, help us to realize that each time we attend Mass, we are in the Kingdom of God. Help us to see Jesus more clearly in the Eucharist. Amen.
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Great Point Carl,
I believe many Catholics are in the same lane as what you detailed in your comments.
We will always be spirited, enlightened, loved and blessed if we stay in the Word from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We will regain our power in strength, but it requires our personal connections to Christ, and our public, evangelical efforts to remind our fellow drifters of the evil that can consume their thoughts and actions.
The enemy has a strong foothold in our culture, but an unwavering love to conquer evil, through love, is in our hearts. This love is tough, and will likely get tested to lengths we would never have considered 20 years ago. But we must remain diligent.
Stay blessed. Our country needs our faith, specifically for our children, and out children’s children.
Thank you Gus and family.
Yours in Christ,
JP and Family
“For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.” Those words are as true today as when Jesus spoke them to His disciples.
I don’t know Gus. Are people leaving the Church because they find it mundane or because (as I have read in a number of places) they no longer trust in the hierarchy? The McCarrick “Report” has already been described as a “whitewash” with PF being completely absolved of any wrongdoing/coverup.
For me, the more I stick with the basics (Sacred Scripture – as YOU do here!), the better off I am. I, sadly, have witnessed too many debates about which bishop to believe (i.e., there is no hell; everyone is going to heaven; etc.). All I try to offer is that there is no doubting Him and His Word.
God Bless you!