Readings: Philemon 7-20, Ps. 146:7-10, Luke 17:20-25
“The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.” (Luke 17:20-21)
This song, which we often sang as little children, made a great impression on me: “The time to be happy is now! The place to be happy is here! The way to be happy is to make someone happy! And we’ll have a little heaven down here!” If we are committed to spreading love and happiness to everyone around us, we will create God’s kingdom on earth.
- We can achieve heaven on earth when we go out of our way to bring smiles to everyone around us. We can make God’s kingdom happen when we show care and concern for the welfare of everyone we meet. Someone once said the only difference between heaven and hell is the absence of love. When we hate one another, are self-centred, or desire the death and destruction of one another, we are living in hell.
- In today’s first reading, we hear St. Paul appealing to Philemon to forgive Onesimus and accept him again, not as a slave but as a brother. “Formerly, he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me… welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account.” (Philemon 1:11-18).
- This is heaven—loving our neighbours as ourselves, forgiving one another without counting the cost, seeing the face of Jesus in the people who have offended you like Onesimus, welcoming the earth’s rejected, the sick, the imprisoned, and the orphans, giving to these little ones as much as a cup of water without expecting anything in return. The joy we feel when we help others sincerely is a foretaste of the joy of heaven.
- Jesus warns us against following false prophets, that is, going after persons who claim this or that. The world will surely end, but that is not our business; it will happen like lightning. Our only concern should be expanding God’s kingdom on earth, showing kindness, spreading happiness, and forgiving one another.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, use me as your instrument so that I may promote your kingdom on earth. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday of week 32 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Philemon 7-20, Ps. 146:7-10, Luke 17:20-25).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu