(Source from “The Word Among Us”)

Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:19)

What would our world be like if everyone lived out the teachings that Jesus gives us in today’s Gospel? It would be a world where people work out their differences peacefully. Where husbands and wives are always faithful to one another. Where no one tells a lie or engages in dishonest deals.

Such a world might seem impossible, but this is the world that God has always intended for his people. It’s the kingdom that Jesus announced was “at hand” at the beginning of his ministry (Matthew 3:2). It’s the kingdom that he ushered in by his death and resurrection. If it seems hidden in some ways, that’s because it’s still under construction! We won’t experience it fully until Jesus comes again.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t at least begin to experience God’s kingdom today. In fact, God is calling us to build the kingdom. How? We can begin by taking Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount as a blueprint for our lives. He calls us to pray and not worry about our daily needs. To care for the poor. To forgive as God has forgiven us. To love our enemies. To turn the other cheek. When we do these things, we make God’s kingdom visible.

Because Jesus’ teachings can be challenging, we might try to make excuses for ourselves or think that only the saints can obey them. But the more we try to live out Jesus’ words, the more his Spirit fills our efforts with his divine grace—and the more we come to realize that it doesn’t depend only on us, but also on God’s power within us.

Today at Mass, ask the Lord how you might bring God’s kingdom to the places where you live and work. Rely on his teachings to guide you and the Spirit to empower you. Above all, stay alert, because opportunities to build the kingdom of God will surely come your way!

“Jesus, may your kingdom come through me and all your people!”