The Kingdom of God

By Charla Spalluto Misse

I love school; I delight in learning.  I get excited about knowledge theory and creativity.  I certainly feel blessed to participate in my child’s education.

I enjoy knowing what he is learning so that we can discuss it, expound on it and possibly find references in our daily activities.  I love to ignite my mind and marvel at the expanse and deeply layered wonder of God’s creation.

One of my favorite things is when I am struck, not by complex thoughts, but by the simplest of details that had previously escaped me.  I love it when I see what was right in from of me the whole time.

In my son’s third grade religion class, one of the teachings of Catholicism defined the kingdom of God.  Take a moment. What do you think of when you hear this? I thought of heaven, of something to come, of the promise of living eternally immersed in God’s love …  an ideal that has not yet been realized for me. I was wrong!

The kingdom of God is here!  It is now!  It began with the birth of Christ and is God’s love in action on earth today.  Most importantly, it is within us. What a revelation for me – and quite a treat for my son to teach me about his favorite subject!

I am so grateful that I received the grace to realize, together with my child, that we are instruments living in the kingdom of God now and responsible for perpetuating the love of God on earth. We are called to actively participate in the Lord’s divine plan.

I thank you, Lord, for your generous blessings, for igniting our minds as well as our souls so that we may radiate your love and do your will on earth.  And I thank you, Lord, for allowing us to serve you.