[ Today's Readings ]
“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 is already present among us. It is clear that the way it is present is somewhat hidden. People wouldn't be looking for it if it were entirely obvious. But it can be found by those with eyes to see it. The Kingdom transforms relationships based on selfishness and control to ones which are based on love. It sets free captives and slaves. It unites us as brothers and sisters. The Kingdom hidden in the world is found in renewed relationships.
Perhaps this is why he was away from you for a while,
that you might have him back forever,
no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a brother,
beloved especially to me, but even more so to you,
as a man and in the Lord.
We see that Philemon has no incentive to free Onesimus. His old self might even desire to exact payment from him for past injustices. We see the hidden Kingdom in Paul's willingness to pay the price for Onesimus. If, being roused to greater love by Paul, Philemon sets Onesimus free, we see the Kingdom here too.
The Kingdom turns slave and master into brothers in the LORD.
Because the Kingdom is among us we need not run off chasing supernatural distractions.
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.
Even if it is a day when we really long to see the Son of Man, we should still keep our eyes open for the hidden Kingdom in our midst rather than allowing our desperation to drive us to follow after false prophets or teachings, fake miracles, or promises of occult superstitions. The Kingdom is in our midst! The grand finale, the coming of Christ will be something which we can't be hidden, something, too, which we do not have to chase. All that is left to us is to be prepared.
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.
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