Thursday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
All of my life I have had a particular interest in weather. Even living in Ohio, I have been fascinated by hurricanes and weather related storms that impact our lives. As I read today’s gospel reading, I was struck that Jesus uses lightning as the imagery to describe His return to the disciples. What might Jesus be sharing with us, and how should we respond?
In this gospel passage, Jesus is talking to the Pharisees and the disciples about the Kingdom of God and the Son of Man’s role in bringing about this Kingdom. Jesus explains the Kingdom of God is not something that can be seen but is “among you.” Jesus then goes on to explain to the disciples that they will long to see Him, but He will be finally revealed just as “lightning flashes and light up the sky from one side to the other.” This awe- inspiring revelation will occur after suffering and rejection from the “current generation.” Jesus seems to be sharing that the Kingdom of God is beyond our expectations and understanding. Although it cannot be seen, it is already here in our midst. The love, compassion, mercy and hope that Jesus brings through His life are not visible like the material possessions of a powerful kingdom we have come to expect. The healed leper, the forgiven sinner, and the poor who are raised up become the “wealth” of Jesus’ Kingdom. His kingly power is acquired by war and conquest, but Jesus endures suffering and death as the precursor to His triumphant rise to light up the skies.
As I read this scripture, it seems that Jesus is reminding us that His Kingdom is among us but it is not like the kingdoms that we have known here in this world. Power, wealth, and prestige are not the focus for Jesus’ kingdom. Love and service are the ways that Jesus goes about building the kingdom, and He calls us (His disciples) to do the same. Jesus, in His humanity, experiences the agony of His passion and death, but He explains that His love and power bring light to all of this darkness. We are reminded not to be fooled by those among us who make promises that do not bring us closer to the Kingdom. It is hard not to be enticed by those who promise answers that seem easy but do not center on mercy, love and compassion. Like Jesus, we are called to “die to self” to allow His light to shine within our lives.
As I think about the power and awe of lightning as it lights up the sky, I realize that this description is a mere fraction of the glory that will be revealed when Jesus and His Kingdom come to pass. As a disciple, I am called to follow Jesus in my thoughts, words and deeds, so I can continue to help the Kingdom grow “among us.” Through my prayer, scripture and sacrament, I grow in my love and knowledge of Jesus, so I can live out His call to be light for others. Maybe the lightning Jesus describes is the end time when all things finally are able to allow the light of Christ to fully shine. What amazing brilliance and glory that will be!
Loving God, Jesus shows us how to we are called to build Your Kingdom through our lives of love. Send Your Spirit upon us, so we can shine Your light of goodness on the world around us. We pray this in Christ’s name. AMEN
-Marylynn Herchline