This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad. Psalm 118:24. The Kingdom of God. Kingdom of God Summary.
Your Highness, you can identify the Kingdom of God by the signs of loving concern you see for the health, welfare and happiness of the Other. Clearly visible throughout the Kingdom, these signs reveal how the Other is welcomed, is loved, is fed, is dressed, is housed, is healed, is educated, is helped to grow, and is encouraged to blossom and attain his or her full potential. In this Kingdom, the Monarch not only gives to the Other, but he gives lovingly. The Other receives his gifts with childlike gratitude and puts them to good use. In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
In the Kingdom of God the Monarch longs for each person to know how unique he or she is. How singular each person is. How precious he or she is and how the Kingdom is blessed with his or her presence. In this Kingdom the Monarch knows each Person by name. His concern for his or her happiness and well being is central to all his pondering and deliberations. In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
Then I heard, as clear as if there was a passenger sitting next to me,
"Raymond, this is what God does all the time, caring for others."
The next question I heard, was one I now found myself asking,
"Do I really want to be God's child?" Do I really want to be like Him? Spending all of my time caring for others?
At that moment, I also realized my dearest Florence really was God's child. She never lives for herself. She is always genuinely and happily concerned for the welfare and happiness of others, especially me. Now, it’s time to be honest with God and with myself. “Do I really want to be my Father’s son, caring for others like He does? Like Jesus does? Like Florence does? Do I?”
In the Kingdom of God, the air is alive with the sound of conversation and laughter. As each person grows, he or she marvels in awe as each heart continually awakens to the wonder he or she is. In the Kingdom of God, everyone shares with interest the events and activities in each Other's life. Every anniversary (no matter how small the circumstance) is an occasion to celebrate the Other as a Kingdom event.
[One reason why Monarchs (Kingdom of God) remember the dates of birthdays, anniversaries, marriages, baptisms and so on, as well as the names of aunts, uncles, nieces and so on, is because these events are intense emotional human experiences. Intense emotional human experiences are not (as a rule) forgotten. Dates and names are embedded in those experiences and are as present to one's memory as the experience itself; indeed, the date or name is a part of that experience. Rulers (Kingdom of Man) and Devourers (Kingdom of Satan) are not focused on Others like the Monarch. Their intense emotional experiences are with projects or self. They remember events connected with either their project or something they did for themselves. Everything else is a blur. Persons who truly wish to be the person God made and not what anyone else has made will learn how to integrate and relate with Others. Each encounter with an Other, should be a memorable emotional experience.]
In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
29.4 Your name.
Of all the sounds in the Kingdom of God, none is more beautiful than that of one's own name. Our name says it all. Once when I was giving a retreat in a convent, instead of saying "Sister Name," I addressed the Sisters by their given names. After the series was over a novice came to me and said, "You know, I never heard my name mentioned as often as in this past week. It sounds beautiful!"
There are times in hospitals when a patient's name is not written above his or her headboard. I would ask that patient what his or her name is. Sometimes the response was, Mrs. _____.
By replying Mrs. _____ she was pulling rank on me– using a form of force to keep us distant from each other. Force is not from the Holy Spirit. I knew immediately that this person was telling me to keep back. She was not ready to share with me or to let me come into her world.
[When persons are reluctant to step out of their skin to meet you, it is because they have a hurt that is still raw and painful.]
Depending on the circumstance and what the prompt from the Holy Spirit would be, I might reply, "I meant what is your given name, Mrs. _____ ?" If she replied "Elizabeth," then I would say, "Good morning Elizabeth, my name is Raymond. I'm very happy to be with you today." The whole climate of our being together changed. She abandoned her defensive stance. Because of this, the opportunity for her to meet Jesus, in whose name I was there to visit her, increased tremendously. If Jesus could be with Elizabeth and not with, "Mrs. ____" He would be with his daughter and she would be with her Lord and her God. In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
29.5 Happy faces.
In this Kingdom, faces are happy faces because they know that the Monarch loves them and there is nothing to fear from him. In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
29.6 Wounds and bruises.
Persons who live in this Kingdom have no fear or hesitation in showing the Monarch their wounds and bruises (heartbreaks and disappointments). They know the Monarch will heal them and show them how to avoid being hurt again. "I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me." (1) In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
29.7 Full potential.
Persons in this Kingdom know that here they can grow and realize their full potential. Because of this, their eyes sparkle with life, anticipation and excitement. In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
29.8 Freedom.
In the Kingdom of God, liberty and freedom are enjoyed by all, for God has given mankind total freedom and liberty to exercise his mandate to conquer the earth. (2) In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
29.9 Being Oneself.
In this Kingdom persons are themselves. They do not have to pretend, to act, to be political or be of a certain sex. Here, persons need not be members of a particular group or clique, a certain color, or skilled in scheming, to receive and enjoy the Monarch's love and attention. They know the needs of all are assured. In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
29.10 Experiences are learning opportunities.
In this Kingdom, the Monarch is not concerned or preoccupied with so-called blunders, mistakes and errors made by self or by Others. He sees these as blessed opportunities of discovery and learning. The Monarch's response in such situations is:
"Don't worry, you could not have known that was going to happen. You'll be ready next time."
"This is a difficult problem. Don't let it discourage you. You are doing fine."
"You should see the mistakes I made on my first attempt. You're on the right track. Keep it up." In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
29.11 Creativity is the Word.
In the Kingdom of God, everyone is encouraged and assisted in developing their creative skills and talents. The adage, "God helps those who help themselves." is true indeed, for it is in the loving creative activity of the Heart that God is present and active. May I respectfully recommend that your Highness reflect on this, long and hard, "It is in the loving creativity of the Heart that God is present and active." In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
29.12 Order in the Kingdom.
Despite the freedom that everyone enjoys, and the seeming chaos- there is order in the Kingdom. Everyone carries out his or her duties responsibly, with a joyful willingness to help each other.
On the first day, "God said . . ." (3) There is order in the Kingdom of God. On the sixth day God completed His creation. (4) There is order in the Kingdom of God.
"There is a season for everything, a time for every occupation under heaven, a time for giving birth, a time for dancing, a time for peace." (5) There is order in the Kingdom of God.
"After he had come down from the mountain, large crowds followed him. A leper now came up and bowed low in front of him: 'Sir', he said, 'if you want to, you can cure me.' Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him and said, 'Of course I want to! Be cured!' And his leprosy was cured at once. Then Jesus said to him, 'Mind you do not tell anyone, but go and show yourself to the priest and make the offering prescribed by Moses, as evidence for them.'" (6) There is order in the Kingdom of God.
One year the feast of our dear Lady's birthday fell on a Sunday. In the Roman Catholic Church, on Sundays, we celebrate feasts of our dear Lord. They take precedence over any other. Monday (following the anniversary of Her birthday), I planned to pray the Liturgy of the Hours of Her feast day instead of the prescribed office for that Monday. I felt that we should not bypass Her birthday simply because it fell on a Sunday. I began to pray the office for the anniversary of Her birth when very clearly I heard Her say within me, "It would be better to be in full communion with the prayers of the Church today." In other words, today (Monday) worldwide, the Church was praying the office prescribed for that day. Not one person should be separated from being in full communion with the Holy Spirit, not even for Her. There is order in the Kingdom of God.
Jesus says, "And indeed, which of you here, intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and work out the cost to see if he had enough to complete it? Otherwise, if he laid the foundation and then found himself unable to finish the work, the onlookers would all start making fun of him saying, 'here is a man who started to build and was unable to finish.'" (7) There is order in the Kingdom of God.
Once, I was ministering to the elderly in a nursing home. Before beginning the communion service in the small chapel, I prayed the rosary. I asked dearest Mother Mary to help me be a faithful minister of her Son's love to those he was confiding to my care. During these prayers, I received a prompt to bring the Eucharist to a resident who was terminally ill. She was a young lady but was in the nursing home because there was no room for her at the hospital. Her illness was severe, keeping her confined to her bed. She was so angry about being ill, she spoke to no one. What was I going to do? We never even met.
Discern.
There was time to do this before the prayer and communion service in the chapel. There was no need for speed. There is order in the Kingdom of God.
Discern.
I went to the tabernacle and removed a host from the ciborium. Placing the Eucharist in a facial tissue, (I did not have my pix) I sheltered It in my closed hand. It was best if the other residents knew nothing of this; otherwise, they would be wondering why they were not receiving the Eucharist. I did not want to be the cause of gossip or commotion, which would have happened had I taken the very visible ciborium. There is order in the Kingdom of God.
Discern.
At the nursing station, I asked the nurse in charge if that person could receive the Eucharist.
"Yes she could." she said.
There is order in the Kingdom of God.
Arriving at her room, I knocked on the door and entered. After explaining who I was, I told her I was there to bring the Eucharist to other residents in the chapel, and (while I was praying the rosary), Mother Mary prompted me to bring her Son to her for it was Her wish that He be with her. (Never let the fear of embarrassment prevent you from telling others of Heaven's love for you or for them.)
I asked her, "Would you like to receive the Eucharist?"
"Yes." she nodded.
There is order in the Kingdom of God.
After a short prayer of preparation and thanksgiving, she received our dear Lord with simplicity and humility. As I was opening the door to leave the room, she spoke, "Please come again." She left this world of pain and suffering a short while later.
There is order in the Kingdom of God.
If the prompt is not in conflict with community order, then the prompt is worthy of being discerned further.
If the prompt does not respect legitimate authority, then it does not come from the Holy Spirit. In the Kingdom of God, the Holy Spirit respects persons and positions, for each has a role to play in the order of things. If the prompt does not respect order, if it will cause confusion, require speed or disrupt, such prompts do not come from the Holy Spirit. Exile them from the Kingdom of God. In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
29.13 No waste.
There is no waste in the Kingdom of God. Indeed, it is from the little so-called worthless items that persons of the Kingdom get the most use and return. The place is as busy as a beehive. In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
29.14 Accentuating the Positive.
No matter what the weather, God is glorified and praised each day. Confidence in Him brings back the bright, warm sun and heavenly blue skies. We can tell that this is the Kingdom of God because persons here are free from anxiety and fear. In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
29.15 Fragility of the Other.
In the Kingdom of God, the Monarch knows how frail and fragile many persons are. He knows how limited some are, how many have suffered needlessly because of circumstances beyond their control. He knows that before coming here others tried to care for them as best they knew how. As taught by His Royal Confidante, "He does not break the crushed reed, nor quench the wavering flame." (8) In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
29.16 Peace.
Wherever we may be in the Kingdom of God, the heavenly fragrance of Peace permeates the air, nourishing each heart with Its life-giving Love. When a prompt is received enveloped in Peace, it is a sure sign it is from the Holy Spirit. Prompts that do not come in Peace do not come from our dear Lord. Guided by the Staff of Peace, one will walk in paths that are sure and certain. “Though I pass through a gloomy valley, I fear no harm; beside me your rod and your staff are there, to hearten me.” (Psalm 23:4) In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
Once I was responsible for the ministry of baptism in a certain parish. This meant bringing together six or seven couples with their godparents, to prepare a community celebration of that sacrament.
One day my pastor telephoned me about a couple who asked to have their child baptized. He asked if I would escort them through the program for the preparation of baptism. There is always a certain amount of excitement in such matters, for these are salutary events. I never cease to rejoice that I am a part of them. I telephoned the parents and we agreed when to meet.
When I arrived that Sunday evening the setting sun was taking its last bow. Their home was very large and expensive. I'm uncomfortable with large, expensive homes probably because I'm not familiar with the ways of the very rich. I rang the doorbell and waited, and waited. When one rings a doorbell in Christ's name, it is Jesus Himself who is seeking entry. He must visit His own without being impeded by his ministers. When the door finally opened, the father invited me in. The baby in his arms was crying his poor little eyes out.
"What do you want?" he said.
Apologizing, I reminded him we had an appointment to begin the preparation program for the baptism of their child. To my dismay, he seemed unaware of this. During this time, we noticed smoke coming out of the kitchen. Steaks were apparently burning on the stove. He left for the kitchen, where I could hear him and Mrs. "..." talking to each other about me and the parish and the baptism. Their conversation was loud enough for me to hear over the baby's cries. It was evident my presence disturbed him. It was also evident she feared him.
Returning to the foyer, he made it very clear to me they were going to have a traditional baptism, ALONE and not with other couples and, "what was the Church up to anyway?"
We had so many baptisms in our parish and so few clergy that the only way we could meet the need was through community celebrations. Often, we baptized five to seven babies in one celebration.
Then the telephone rang. With the baby still crying and the air full of smoke, he left to answer it. I was still in the foyer. I could hear him telling his wife that visitors were arriving from out of town and they would be there shortly. During these few seconds alone, I focused on what was happening.
1. He was not expecting me.
One did not have to be an angel of light to see that there was no peace here. Staying under these conditions would be tantamount to forceful entry. Force is not used in the Kingdom of God. I was there in Christ's name. Our dear Lord does not impose and very clearly respects the authority that others have in their own kingdoms. Besides, He made us. He understands us better than we do ourselves.
"Mr. ...." I said, "it is obvious there has been some confusion about this appointment. I'll telephone later in the week and we'll make another." He agreed and I left.
Once outside, I felt like leaping into the air. Thank you dear Lord, thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me an insight into what lies ahead for me. Thank you for showing me where this family is, that I may be better prepared to meet them with more understanding and compassion for their situation. Persons do not naturally want to yell and scream and be angry. When they do, it's because they are hurting. Neither is it natural for persons to hurt themselves, and when they hurt the Church, they're hurting their own body and soul because they are the Church. With such persons (and there are many), one must come into their lives with a great deal of gentleness and understanding. (9) This visit alerted me to what this family was going through and the pain they were in. The Holy Spirit also reminded me to allow our dear Lord to bring HIS Love to them HIS way. I must make every effort not to be an obstacle to His presence, as indeed I try to do always. It is good that the Holy Spirit reminds us of this now and then.
Having again placed this pastoral ministry under Mary's loving care, I returned to their home a few days later and was warmly welcomed. The three of us sat in the luxurious living room where we talked. I let events unfold as the Spirit chose. Suddenly he asked, "Raymond, how come you became a deacon in the Church?"
I answered him with no holds barred. I shared with him all the wonderful ways God has loved me, and all I could do in response to so much Love was to say "Father, do with me what you will." As the discussion blossomed, I could feel God's Peace envelop the room, yearning to embrace this couple and give them the comfort, peace and security of His love.
"Raymond, I would like to have that kind of relationship with God," he said. "What should we do to prepare for our child's baptism?"
I explained the parish's program which consisted of two three-hour sessions. We begin by recalling how our first parents sinned and the kind of life they brought onto themselves and their descendants. We then review how our dear Lord came to bring us back into our Father's home. We would look at how His Love was extending through time and space, through these parents. We would see how He personally would immunize these beautiful wonders of God's hand against the poison of sin. Peace once again filled the room. There was no doubt Jesus was with us.
When the bells rang on baptism Sunday, seven couples, once strangers, were now celebrating as a close and intimate little community. Their seven little angels were now in the loving and protective arms of the Church, their parents. Our hearts were filled with wonder and joy. "And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time." (10) There is peace in the Kingdom of God.
29.17 Lies.
No matter what form or how small, there is no room for lies in the Kingdom of God. A lie is totally unacceptable and a complete opposite to what the Monarch is and Whom he represents, the Truth. The fruit of a lie is darkness while the Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of Light. Yahweh destroys liars. (11)
29.18 Speed.
Since time does not exist in the Kingdom of God, there is no need for speed. Speed is in opposition to everything God stands for. Jesus is the Beginning and the End. He has no need for speed and neither do those who govern in His name. "Then the One sitting on the throne spoke, he said,' It is already done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.'" (13)
There is no need for speed in the Kingdom of God, "it is already done." Only Satan and those who follow him are concerned with speed, for the day of their eternal damnation is coming. Prompts that call for speed are not from the Holy Spirit. Exile these prompts from the Kingdom of God. In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
29.19 Blame.
In the Kingdom of God, there is no place for blame. Prompts that blame others in any way, do not come from the Holy Spirit. Blame has its roots in sin. You will remember was used by Adam and Eve after the first sin. Had it not been for sin, the word 'blame' would not be in our vocabulary. Our dear Lord is without sin, so it is not He who inspires the prompt to blame. (14)
Not only persons can blame. Governments, institutions and other organizations can also blame. When you feel pushed to blame or when you hear others blaming, be on your guard. Do not converse with spirits who blame, for they live outside their heavenly Father's home and are not Monarchs who breathe Life in the Kingdom of God.
When it is evident from this sign (blame) or other signs that it is not the Holy Spirit speaking to you, ADDRESS THAT PERSON BY HIS OR HER GIVEN NAME, the name God gave to him or her at baptism. In so doing, you will converse with the person God made in the Image of Jesus and not with any other spirit. You will have spoken to God's child and helped to awaken your brother or sister to the danger he or she is in. "Do not be afraid for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine." (15) In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
29.20 Condemnations and put-downs.
In this Kingdom, there is no place for condemnations and put-downs. There are no attitudes or positions taken on what is right or what is wrong. Everything is good. With generosity and tenderness, each person weaves relationships in Love, joyful understanding and forgiveness. Prompts that condemn others, in any way, do not come from the Holy Spirit. Condemnation has its roots in sin. Our dear Lord is without sin so it is not He who inspires them. (16) Had it not been for sin, the word 'condemn' would not be a part of our vocabulary.
Not only persons can condemn, but governments, institutions and other organizations can also condemn. When you feel pushed to condemn or when you hear others condemning, be on your guard. Do not converse with spirits who condemn, for they live outside their heavenly Father's home and are not Monarchs who breathe Life in the Kingdom of God.
When it is evident from this or other signs that it is not the Holy Spirit speaking to you, address THAT PERSON BY HIS OR HER NAME, the name God gave him or her at baptism. In so doing you will converse with the person God made in the image of Jesus and not with any other spirit. Our King says, "Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls in front of pigs, or they may trample them and then turn on you and tear you to pieces." (17)
You must awaken and develop your listening skills, to know with whom you are in conversation with. By addressing the Other by his or her given name, and not speaking with the Ruler or Devourer, you will have spoken to God's child and helped to awaken your brother or sister to the danger he or she is in. "Do not be afraid for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name. (18) you are mine." (19)
Of course, you must not be in the shadow of or under the grip of sin when trying to free another; otherwise, both of you will fall into the pit. (20) Monarchs do not blame or condemn, only Rulers and Devourers blame and condemn. There is no requirement for you to talk with Rulers and Devourers, only with other Monarchs. Rulers and Devourers have nothing in common with the children of God. In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
29.21 Force is God's option, not ours.
1 Samuel, 2:9 tells us: "He safeguards the steps of the faithful but the wicked vanish in darkness (for it is not by strength that man triumphs)." Our King says, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; in this way you will be sons of your Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on bad men as well as good, and his rain to fall on honest and dishonest men alike." (21) In the Kingdom of God, words from the Monarch's mouth breathe life and creativity into the Other.
29.22 Love is stronger than force.
Once, a friend came to me and told me his wife had filed for a divorce. Out of the blue, he received a letter from her lawyer, asking when they could negotiate the division of assets. He didn't know how to respond. We discussed the situation.
He then advised her lawyer that she could have everything. He was not concerned about who would own this or that, but that his wife whom he loved very much was not to want for anything. His actions overwhelmed her. She withdrew her application for divorce. They reunited in a new relationship that was now stronger than ever.
Jesus tells us, " . . . offer the wicked man no resistance. On the contrary, if anyone hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other as well; if a man takes you to law and would have your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone orders you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give to anyone who asks, and if anyone wants to borrow, do not turn away." (22)
There is only one force powerful enough to confront and overcome any threat to the conjugal union- Love. But, Love is by its very nature divine. Our brother John tells us, "God is love." (23) God is Love, and God's will is the active ingredient, and Jesus is the only Person who can show us what God's will is. How can two hearts confront, overcome and conquer all the enemies and dangers that lie between them and their dreams without God/Love? They cannot. Such hearts are alone and easy prey for roaming demons to devourer. There is no substitute for the power of Love. Our King tells us in no uncertain terms," . . . cut off from me you can do nothing." (24) Force is God's option, not ours. (25) "God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: it is for God to be strong, it is for you Lord, to be loving; and you yourself repay man as his works deserve." (26)
29.23 Quiet more powerful than noise.
Once while in Toronto, I went shopping for a portable stereo system. In one store the music was playing so loud, to speak one had to shout. There was no way I was going to compete with noise from a giant black and silver ghetto blaster.
"CAN I HELP YOU SIR?" shouted the sales clerk.
Without making a sound, I mouthed back, "I would like to buy a portable stereo radio-cassette player." Thinking that he couldn't hear me because of the noise, the sales clerk turned the system off. It was the absence of sound that conquered and extinguished a barrier of blaring noise. Without the use of force, peace and quiet reigned again.
29.24 A father's wish resolved by peace and not by force.
Once a cousin from far away came to visit me. He wanted me to telephone the police, to force his father-in-law to tell him where his wife and children were. They had been separated for some time. He had not seen his children since they were babies. He explained that he had a bad heart and wanted to see his children before anything happened to him. "By seeing a police uniform," he explained, "maybe my father-in-law can be frightened into telling me where they are." To help him get what he wanted, he wanted to use force and fear on this person.
"We'll bring a uniform, "I replied, "but it will not be a police uniform." I put on my Roman collar. We left for his father-in-law's place.
As we arrived at a blighted area of the city, my cousin pointed out the building. Fearing there may be violence between him and the father-in-law (my cousin was a very high-strung person), I asked him to wait in the car. I crossed the street to an old yellow wooden apartment building.
Gripping what was left of the latch I pushed on the broken, narrow front door. Grudgingly, it limped open. I entered the dark enclosed porch area. Thanks to the strain of a lonely, jaundiced light bulb, I saw the first step of a narrow stairway. As I began my walk up, long black shadows on dirty walls appeared as faceless, ghoulish sentries. I felt I was being scrutinized, that my presence there was being questioned. They were so effective in protecting their own, I could not read the fading numbers on the apartment doors in that dark, musty hallway. Fortunately, a person happened by and directed me to the apartment I was looking for. I knocked.
Slowly, the door opened. A short stocky man, with a baldhead and large white, limpid, sorrowful eyes looked up at me. He was in his undershirt. The sight of my Roman collar surprised him. I asked if I could speak with him. He nodded me in.
The only light in his small, dark, cluttered kitchen flickered from two portable black and white television sets. One was on top of the refrigerator. The other on the kitchen table. His meal consisted of a hot dog and a soft drink. He invited me to sit and we began to talk. I asked him if he would turn on a light.
I introduced myself and told him why I was there- that his son-in-law was in the car, that he had a bad heart and did not expect to live for very long and how he yearned to see his children. Could he tell him where they were?
I shared with him my awareness of his loneliness and his fragile situation. In response to an inner prompt, I said, "Mr. ..., our dear mother Mary will watch over you and be with you. You need not fear of dying alone."
He asked me to follow him into his bedroom. There he opened a bureau drawer. He reached underneath a few items of clean clothing. Lifting a brown paper liner, he retrieved two large black and white photos.
"Here." he said, "Take these pictures of the children. Give them to the father. I do not know where my daughter or the children are. These are the last pictures I received. I want him to have them."
This gentle, solitary person who was obviously tired of life, still had a very generous heart. Though he was living alone in his own dark world, he was ready to give away one of his most precious possessions. These were his last photos of his daughter and his grandchildren. His generosity moved me profoundly. When he convinced me that he indeed wanted to give these to the children's father, I accepted them gratefully. We talked a little longer. Later, thanking him again, I left.
Returning to the car, I could read the anticipation on my cousin's face. I handed him the photos and relayed what his father-in-law told me. He looked at the pictures longingly. On our way home he said, "Raymond, this is even better than seeing my wife and the children. I don't think I could have handled the emotions of a live meeting and possibly more fighting. Now, with these photos, I'll have my children with me, always."
I explained to him the living conditions his father-in-law was in and that his meal that day consisted of a hot dog and a soft drink. He happily gave me fifty dollars, with which I immediately purchased groceries and brought them to his father-in-law that very afternoon.
My cousin then took the train back home. A few months later, he died. Remember what he wanted from the onset? The police. He wanted to use force. He wanted to frighten and scare this gentle, fragile person into submission. Force is God's option, not ours.
29.25 The most powerful force on earth.
Do you know what the most powerful force in the world is? Your example. I repeat, the most powerful force on earth is your example. Many persons have crossed my path during my lifetime. Most were concerned about my welfare and wanted to help me along the way. Only two persons, however, had such an impact on me that I remember consciously and decidedly committing myself to try to be like them. One is my darling Florence. The other is Monsignor Wilfrid Bray, once the pastor at St. Gabriel's parish. Day after day whatever the hour or the task, they carried on their work with humility, compassion, understanding, devotion, accessibility, transparency and simplicity. They continuously expressed real love and real concern for the Other, no matter who that person was. Each was God's goodness incarnate. I wanted to be like them. The force that they used on me was their example. I know of no other power as strong, as convincing, as effective or as transforming as a living, breathing human example.
Nelson Mandela with the grace of God and using only peaceful means, brought apartheid to an end in South Africa. He was South Africa's "Moses" crying out in God's name, "let my people go." In this person, we saw the incredible power of peace in the hands of God's own. Force is God's option, not ours.
Your Highness, these are some of the many signs telling us that here the Monarch reigns with his Royal Confidante, Jesus. Because of all the life we see here we know it as the Kingdom of God. Let it be said again, the Monarch who governs in the Kingdom of God makes decisions that breathe life and creativity into the Other. Such a person walks in our dear Lord's footsteps, giving us life to the full. (27)
29.26 The Monarch.
In the Kingdom of God, the Monarch reigns in the company of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Monarch's heart is Their home. Jesus tells us, "If anyone loves me he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make our home with him." (28)
Guided by his Royal Confidante Jesus, the Monarch (using all the treasures Heaven gives him) focuses on the event in question until he sees the Truth. Once discerned, the heavenly response is clear. Since he is Jesus' ambassador in his corner of the realm, he will know how to breathe life and creativity into the Other. Heaven happily shares this power and authority with him. He is very conscientious of his ambassadorial duties and responsibilities. He is conscious this power is one that Jesus shares with him for the glory of His heavenly Father. This being so, the Monarch in the Kingdom of God is very much inclined to be humble and sensitive to the needs of Others.
Yet the Monarch has his sword (his will) at his side at all times. He is ready to strike, with an eternal, "No," any presence seeking to harm life in the Kingdom of God. All see him as the face of God in the Kingdom.
29.27 The mind.
In the Kingdom of God, the Mind has great respect for the Monarch and is there to serve Him the best way he knows how. The mind recognizes the Monarch's right to govern and his responsibility for the welfare of those entrusted to his care. The mind knows that without the Monarch he would never be able to carry out his duties properly.
In the Kingdom of God, the Mind questions the Monarch a great deal. He tries to understand very clearly what it is the Monarch wants, how he wants it, why he wants it, when he wants it and for whom he wants it. The Mind needs to have everything explained to it.
In the Kingdom of God, the Mind has no hesitation about consulting with others, and will not let its limitations restrict or jeopardize the dreams and visions of the Monarch.
In the Kingdom of God, the Mind and the Monarch do not argue. They do not contradict each other. They do not criticize, challenge, dispute or embarrass each other.
In the Kingdom of God, the Mind does not try to trick the Monarch, nor does he try to give him wrong information to procrastinate or in any way make life difficult for him. The mind helps the Monarch to make the dreams and visions of his heavenly Father come true.
29.28 The body.
Having a healthy and fit body is of the utmost importance to the Monarch. Dreams, visions, plans and options mean nothing without a healthy body to transform them into reality. The Heart, the Mind and the Muscle (body) function as a team, serving the Monarch by responding to and complementing the needs of each other.
29.29 The Royal flag.
Like a flag flying proudly over its homeland, Life identifies this place as the Kingdom of God. Jesus tells us, "I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full." (29) Activities in the Kingdom of God are concerned with one thing and one thing only, the health, welfare and happiness of the Other.
29.30 The bottom-line.
To live in the Kingdom of God, your entire being (heart, mind and body) must speak words and do things that bring life and creativity to the Other. Listen to the words that come from your mouth (and the mouths of others) and do what has to be done to make the Kingdom of God a reality in your life.
With your will, say, "Yes" to everything that is from God and, "No" to everything that is not. Your vision will improve and you will make better decisions (govern) each and every day. You will become more and more the person that you really are, God's Child in Christ Jesus. Your reign will blossom in Truth and your happiness will be complete.
Persons who want to learn how to govern within their realm, who want to sharpen their discernment skills, who want to share their experiences and learn from each other, should meet as groups within their parish community. In holy, brotherly togetherness, let our dear Lord Himself teach you. I do not know of any other avenue that has the potential of being so fulfilling in washing, dressing, exercising and feeding us where our education as Princes and Princesses in the Kingdom of God is concerned.
This is the Kingdom where you will be about your Father's business, (30) where you will reign in Christ Jesus your King, where you will minister your sacrament of marriage. You will do this by holding on to the Holy Spirit with one hand and your Mother Mary with the other hand- always, in all things.
God bless you.
1 John 10:14.
2 Genesis 1:28.
- 3 Genesis 1:3
- 4 Genesis 2:2.
- 5 Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
- 6 Matthew 8:1-4.
- 7 Luke 14:28-30.
- 8 Isaiah 42:3.
- 9 Remember the lamb with the barb wire?
- 10 Matthew 28:20.
- 11 Psalm 5:6
- 12 Psalm 101 vs 7, The New American Bible as written in the Liturgy of the Hours, week 4, Tuesday morning prayer.
- 13 Revelation 1:21-6.
- 14 1 Peter 2:22.
- 15 Isaiah 43:2.
- 16 1 Peter 2:22.
- 17 Matthew 7:6.
- 18 Not your nickname.
- 19 Isaiah 43:2.
- 20 Matthew 15:14.
- 21 Matthew 5:44-46.
- 22 Matthew 5:38-42
- 23 1 John 4:8
- 24 John 5:15
- 25 God's plagues on Egypt.
- 26 Psalm 62:11-12
- 27 John 10:10.
- 28 John 14:23.
- 29 John 10:10
- 30 Luke 2:49.