Jesus tells Pilate: "My kingdom is not from this world." (Jn 18: 36) How often, in history, has much suffered occurred for the Church when its members have thought first of worldly power and influence?! We are in the world but not of the world. An Early Christian document called: "Letter to Diognetus" states:
"Christians
are indistinguishable from other men either by nationality, language or
customs. They do not inhabit separate cities of their own, or speak a strange
dialect, or follow some outlandish way of life. Their teaching is not based
upon reveries inspired by the curiosity of men. Unlike some other people, they
champion no purely human doctrine. With regard to dress, food and manner of life
in general, they follow the customs of whatever city they happen to be living
in, whether it is Greek or foreign.
And yet
there is something extraordinary about their lives. They live in their own
countries as though they were only passing through. They play their full role
as citizens, but labour under all the disabilities of aliens. Any country can
be their homeland, but for them their homeland, wherever it may be, is a
foreign country. Like others, they marry and have children, but they do not
expose them. They share their meals, but not their wives."
I think we must take the idea seriously that we are essentially a pilgrim people. We should not get to attached to the things of this world along with all of its blandishments. rather, we look forward to the fulfillment of a new kingdom where"God may be all in all." (1 Cor 15: 27) St Paul tells us: "For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14: 17) As we approach the busy season of Advent let us make room for righteousness, peace and joy in our daily lives.
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