What About the Gospel, the Kingdom of God?

Each week we let Saint Pope John Paul II share meaningful signposts to spark socio-economic resolves through justice and righteousness combined with mercy and compassion; in short, love.

No one is called to impose religious beliefs on others but to give a strong example of a life of justice and service, resplendent with the virtues of faith, hope, and charity. 

               "^20-21 God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

               Glory to God in the Church!

               Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!

               Glory down all the generations!

               Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!"

           __ Ephesians 3: 20-21 (The Message Translation)

The Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians has a deep meaning for each of us.

The text movingly describes our relationship with God as he reveals himself to us in the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. Saint Paul reminds us of two fundamental truths:

              first, that our ultimate vocation is to glorify the God who created and redeemed us;

              second, that our eternal and highest good is to "attain to the fullness of God himself."

              To participate in the loving communion of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit for all eternity. Humankind attains God's glory in the Kingdom of heaven.

Redemption, originating with the Father and accomplished by the Son, is brought to fruition in our individual lives by the Holy Spirit.

Thus we speak of the gifts of the Spirit at work within the Church- gifts which include the hierarchical office of shepherding the flock and talents given to the laity so that they may live the Gospel and make their specific contribution to the Church's mission. 

Saint Paul launched a significant challenge to the Christians of his time. Today I repeat it to all the laity of America. "Conduct yourselves, then, in a way worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear news of you, that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, struggling together for the faith of the Gospel, not intimidated in any way...":

              ^27-30 Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people's trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they're up against: defeat for them, a victory for you—and both because of God. There's far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There's also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting. You're involved in the same kind of struggle you saw me go through, on which you are now getting an updated report in this letter.

            __ Philippians 1: 27-28 (Message Translation)

The perfection of love is the only goal that matters that it alone is the measure of holiness and the way to perfect communion with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Excerpted from:

APOSTOLIC JOURNEY
TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA

MEETING WITH THE REPRESENTATIVES
OF THE CATHOLIC LAYPEOPLE OF AMERICA

ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL II

Cathedral of Saint Mary, San Francisco
Friday, 18 September 1987

http://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/speeches/1987/september/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_19870918_laicato-cattolico.html