If there is any prayer that identifies us as Christians, it is the Lord’s Prayer. Short, concise, and to the point, this prayer conveys the essence of what being a Christian is all about. With the opening line, we express our advent hope, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done.”
What image comes to mind when you envision God’s kingdom? For the disciples, there was a hope that Jesus would free their land from Roman oppression but with the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and the passing of time, that dream faded. The anticipation then became the majestic return of Jesus in the near future and the last judgment at the end of time. The idealism painted by Isaiah, which many call the peaceable kingdom, provides us with yet another image of God’s kingdom.
That passage sounds so uplifting. Isaiah paints a world free of violence and bloodshed; a world that brings together traditional enemies in the animal kingdom will also bring together traditional enemies amongst peoples as well. Centuries old animosity among and between Christians, Muslims, and Jews even though they worship the same God can leave any adherent wondering if the peaceable kingdom is merely an allusion.
Not according to Isaiah! Someday, enemies will come together and there will be peace on earth. But what needs to happen before God’s kingdom arrives becomes real? In no uncertain terms, John the Baptist tells anyone who would listen, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” For years, I read what he said as a warning but it isn’t a warning at all. It is a lesson in logic. If you reform your lives, and that is what repent implies, you will experience the kingdom of heaven! In other words, John is warning us, unless we change our ways, God’s peaceable kingdom will remain an elusive dream.
Paul points out, “Whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Yes, everything necessary for our salvation has been accomplished. There is no need for any new revelations from God but we can be such slow learners! Imagine how different our world would be today if Christians in the past had continually endeavored to be an example of reconciliation for others? Can you picture how history could have been altered had past choices never been shaped by bigotry and prejudice?
We are wrong to think that the reprimand John the Baptist levels at the Pharisees and Scribes no longer concerns us. Matthew knew that all Christians, including you and me, needed to hear that same message. “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.” Put your words into action!
I often suggest to penitents to say the Lord’s Prayer slowly and reflectively as a penance and then carry out the promise that they have just made, which includes forgiving others just as they are asking God to forgive them. Forgiving our enemies, whoever they may be, along with following God’s will are signs that we mean to reform our lives. Do that and we can do as Paul urges, “Welcome one another, then as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
Years ago, for my birthday, my younger sister gave me a plaque filled with a timeless message of wisdom on how we can bring about the kingdom of God. It is a message I wish I had read more often and taken to heart, especially when life was bumpy. The passage, entitled Desiderata, was written by a poet from Indiana eighty years ago.
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.