Because the kingdom of God came is a way they weren’t expecting, the Pharisees struggled to receive it as a blessing. Instead of receiving the blessing of having Jesus with them, they clung to their own understanding and opposed him. While it can be hard to let go of our ideas and plans, Jesus wants us to trust him in the unexpected.
It wasn’t just the Pharisees who didn’t understand. Even Jesus’ disciples struggled to understand the nature of the kingdom. They sought to see Jesus as a powerful ruler with all the nations subject to his reign. Yet Jesus’ reign is in the hearts of those who believe in him and do his will. So ask yourself, do I love him and sacrifice myself to do his will ? Am I building the kingdom in my heart by my prayer and life in grace ?
So if the kingdom is here now, how do we enter ? We enter thru the door of suffering and perseverance. Belief is not just a one-time acceptance. It must be lived every single day through both the little and great trials we experience. If we persevere, we will experience both his presence and all the ways he wants to bless us. So tonight before bedtime, look for the progress you have made and the struggles of the kingdom that is within you !
DeColores, Deacon Doug
Join us in prayer!
We encourage you to join us as we recite the Holy Rosary every night at 8PM! On Wednesdays, we pray the rosary via Zoom with the rector and rectora.
Resources for those not able to attend Mass
Daily Readings in English and Spanish from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Prayers, readings for Mass, and additional spiritual readings are available at:
“Give Us This Day” a digital file of their periodical, which includes daily Mass texts. Visit GUTD.net and select “Digital” in the upper right of the screen.
