Making the Kingdom of God Happen!

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

1 Sam 1:9-20; Mk 1:14-28

Today’s Gospel helps us understand the mission strategy of Jesus. We find it asserted in three ways. 

1.Jesus cautions us about the imminent coming of God’s Kingdom. Hence, Jesus emphasizes the urgency of conversion as a precondition to be eligible for the Kingdom. Jesus’ proclamation follows the arrest of John the Baptist, and thus, the message of the Kingdom is carried on unhindered. Jesus helps us understand that the mission of God cannot suffer setbacks. 

2. Jesus calls the first disciples. Simon, Andrew, James, and John are chosen to be witnesses to Jesus’ proclamation of the Kingdom and his liberative mission in order that they will continue it in the future. In naming the first apostles, Jesus exhibits a futuristic vision. 

3. Jesus taught as one who had authority. Jesus lived his message. People perceived his integrity as authority. 

In proclaiming God’s Kingdom, Jesus did not wait for better times or ideal situations. As a man with a mission, Jesus makes the Kingdom of God happen. 

The Kingdom of God is a force for good. Let us make it happen, walking in the footsteps of Jesus!

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar