Things Concerning the Kingdom of God, Part 2

Main Idea

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the Kingdom of God as a subject that concerns every person, and therefore we all pray in the Lord’s Prayer: “Thy Kingdom come.”
But prayer alone is not enough; every person should have a work that he offers for the spread of the Kingdom of God on earth.
He emphasizes that every person has a responsibility toward the Church and toward others, and it is not right for a person to focus only on his personal salvation without working for the salvation of his brothers.

Spiritual Message

The Lord Jesus presents a model of service and work for the Kingdom, as He preached the Gospel of the Kingdom, taught people, and guided them wherever He went.
The Pope also points to the example of the apostles, especially Saint Paul the Apostle, who endured weariness, hardships, travel, and imprisonment for the sake of spreading the faith.
A person is called to share with Christ in His work on earth so that he may share with Him in His glory, and he should not merely be a spectator inside the Church.
The Pope compares the believer who works for God to light and salt, because his presence should have an influence wherever he is.

Educational Lesson

The Pope calls every person to honestly ask himself: “What have I done for the spread of the Kingdom of God? And what is my contribution to spreading the faith?”
He emphasizes that service is not limited to one particular field, but every person can work for God in the place and field where he is.
He also calls for preserving the believers who have received the faith, and not being satisfied with physical attendance in the Church without truly entering into the spiritual life.

Practical Application

The Pope encourages a person to be filled with God so that he may overflow toward others, and to practice virtues so that his life may become an example from which people can learn.
He also calls for loving people and having compassion on those who are weary and lost, seeking to serve them and bring them into the Kingdom of God.
He presents the image of Christ who searches for the lost sheep and looks for the lost coin, teaching His children to have a heart that longs for the salvation of others.
The central call is for every person to say before God’s calling: “Here am I; send me,” and to work with strength, faith, and perseverance for the Kingdom of God.

For better translation support, please contact the center.