Thursday, November 12, 2020 - 32nd week of Ordinary Time - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 17, 20-25 - I am the vine and you are the branches, says the Lord. He who abides in me and in whom I abide, the same bears much fruit.

Dear Christians! The kingdom of heaven, often mentioned in the Bible, especially in the Gospel; and one of the great promises that Jesus makes to us. All human beings, especially believers, look forward to it because we all long for salvation. We all look forward to this glorious and unique day. When exactly is it? That was the question that interested the Pharisees, but it is also a question we often ask ourselves. Some even wonder if there really will be an end.

Jesus' answer is clear: "The coming of God's reign is not observable" because it is the reign of love, the reign of humility, the reign of compassion. Jesus said that the reign of God is in our midst, especially when we live virtuously. This is not reflected outside but resides in all those who call themselves Christians and live it. So, first of all, this reign is hidden, hidden in our hearts, hence the need to have, an attentive ear, capable of hearing his inspirations in our hearts and having eyes to perceive it, even in the dark because that is where it is brightest. Secondly, this reign is a mystery because Jesus declares that it is for the poor and for those who suffer for their faith. Thus, the mysteries of this kingdom are rooted in many signs that we experience in the various sacraments, so let us try to discover them here on earth so that the earth may be like heaven, so that every effort we make on earth may be a preparation for welcoming this mysterious kingdom that Jesus promised us. He concludes his teaching that he must first suffer and be rejected by this generation. We must first endure the trials before we are worthy of this kingdom, so let us trust in God with faith in all the trials we may face with Christ in order to inherit this kingdom.