Rev. Daniel E. Pilarczyk

Jesus continues to teach through his Church. The good news of salvation is still being made available to all those who are willing to receive it. It is being presented to us by means of the community of believers.

We are all called to cooperate in strengthening the kingdom. We don’t all have the same capabilities, but we are expected to use as best we can what has been entrusted to us. The measure of success is how much richer the kingdom will be thanks to our efforts.

How should we watch for the coming of the kingdom? By putting our relationship with the Lord at the very center of our daily life here and now. Prayer, loving attention to our neighbor, consistent gratitude to God–all these are ways to keep ourselves aware that the Lord Jesus is on his way.

In the brief parables we hear today about the thief in the night and the devoted servant, Jesus tells us to stay awake and be attentive to the coming of the kingdom. It can catch us by surprise if we are not careful. What part does the coming of the kingdom play in my life?

Most of us are not called to proclaim the gospel of Jesus full time as apostles, but we can bring people into touch with Jesus. We can introduce them to him by the way we speak about him, by the reverence we offer him, by the importance we give him. 

All religious practice–including the practice of Christianity–runs the risk of becoming superficial. We have to be constantly careful that our religious practices are closely and clearly connected with the basics: the love and service of God and thoughtful care for our neighbor.

Our prayers and religious practices must be consistent with the beliefs that we say we hold. They must not be merely external observances. But at the same time belief without appropriate practice is meaningless.