Over the centuries during which the books of the Bible were written, though they were inspired by the Holy Spirt, the different authors often struggled to explain their understanding of what God, and the promised Kingdom of God, looked it. They were dealing with ideas and concepts which are beyond the limitations of human understanding. That is why so often in the Bible the phrase that something “looked like” something is often used, it’s was often the best they could do.

If I were to ask you what does God’s kingdom look like, what would you say? My earliest imaginings was formed by the holy cards you used to get (some which I still have) which, if set in heaven, had figures standing on a fluffy cloud with a pearl grey backdrop. Nothing else seemed to be happening. It was a kind of a neutral beauty. What does the Kingdom of God look like to you? How would you experience it? How would you know you were there?

Related to this in this Sunday's readings we have a sequence of beautiful images from Isaiah. He first describes the characteristics of the Messiah, what the Messiah is like. The amazing thing is that we too have been given these characteristics; these are the gifts we have received at Confirmation. How often do we pause to reflect on the extraordinary gifts of divine grace we have already received? Do we pause before passing judgement on others, do we act wisely (or rashly), do we act with integrity?

Jesus the Messiah is the perfect embodiment of all of these graces, as we see time and again in the Gospels, but are we mindful of these in our own lives? In our words and our actions? We have been given the ability to be the mirror of God’s grace to the people we meet, and the world in which we live, which in turn will also literally enlightens our own hearts and souls.

And what of the Kingdom? At the very beginning of the universe, which was created through his Divine Word, Jesus the Word made flesh, everything created is meant to be good, not just good but perfect in every aspect of its nature “they shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain”. At the full realisation of the Kingdom the entire universe will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, The universe, and we too, will be filled with that knowledge, beauty and love.

In this Sunday's gospel John the Baptist, the last and the greatest of the prophets and the cousin of Jesus though Mary and Elizabeth, shouts out to everyone who will listen – “he’s here”. John has a big following but he always points away from himself towards Jesus – the one who saves; the Christ – the anointed one. Then and now John calls to us to prepare for Jesus; to prepare for Jesus the morning star for Him to arise in our minds and hearts whose light will illuminate our souls. John tells us that the way to do this is by repentance which is something we all need. It is also by faith in Jesus. If we repent we will be better people tomorrow than we are today; we will be salt to the earth and light to the world.

God desires that all people will be saved. We have been invited to share in the new heaven and the new earth at the end of time. Of course ultimately we will decide for ourselves if we wish to accept the invitation, we are God’s children, not His slaves. Do not be afraid to rise to this challenge. With God’s help you are destined for great things.

As always, be assured of my daily prayers for your intentions.

God bless and keep you.

Fr Chris