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Gospel commentary for Thursday, November 14, 2024.
Discerning God’s will
In today’s Gospel, Jesus addresses the Pharisees on the coming of God’s Kingdom, offering a vision that challenges traditional expectations. The Pharisees thought the Kingdom would appear dramatically as an outcome of perfect adherence to the Law. They anticipated the Messiah’s arrival to be marked by a great spectacle, hailed as a mighty king. In contrast, Jesus reveals an unexpected reality: the Kingdom of God exists already within us, intricately integrated into our everyday lives and does not depend on human actions or achievements.
The Kingdom’s presence, as Jesus teaches, cannot be observed outwardly or in specific locations. Rather, it’s a concealed truth, thriving in gratitude, love, and acts of kindness that often go unnoticed. In these modest instances, the Kingdom unveils itself as a deep mystery that surpasses worldly anticipations.
Looking to the future, Jesus warns of those who might deceive the believers, claiming to know the precise time or place of His return. He teaches that the Day of the Son of Man will come suddenly and unmistakably, “like lightning flashing across the sky.” In times of trial and despair, the apocalyptic language used by Jesus helps us maintain hope and understand that God remains in control, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. Though the journey may pass through hardship and suffering, God’s plans will reach fulfilment.
Finally, Jesus underscores that the path to glory inevitably includes the Cross, a truth central to our faith. Just as Jesus endured suffering, we are called to bear our own crosses. Through these challenges, we are invited to deepen our trust in God and find evidence of His Kingdom within our own lives, communities and in acts of compassion and faithfulness around us.