—Gospel of John, chapter 18:33–37

The message and example of Jesus speak to the kingliest parts of our natures, to lives based on faith, hope and love. This is the kingdom which Jesus came to establish on earth, not a kingdom of the earthly trappings of human power and dominance over others, but a kingdom of loving service to our fellow man.

This special kingdom Jesus came to establish on earth is a kingdom in which God’s Son came to save us at any price. It is a kingdom, not of this world, but a kingdom of spirit and truth that resides within us. Those who jeered at the dying Jesus on the cross, did not understand this. They expected a kingdom of this world (Luke 23:35–43).

There is no earthly match to this kind of rule among men. Jesus is like a good shepherd who doesn’t push or shove His flock from behind but walks ahead of them, showing them the Way. He seeks us out when we’re helpless, rescues us when we’re trapped, forgives us when we fall away, and raises us up to new life.

We enter into this blessed kingdom when we acknowledge our sin and are reconciled with God and our fellow man. Much of the sickness, poverty, and suffering in this world are traceable to the disharmony that separates people from their Creator and from one another. By healing the root problem of disharmony in our lives we position ourselves to receive God’s grace in all areas of our lives, spiritual as well as physical, moral as well as material, social as well as psychological. To try to solve the world’s problems and our own without first making peace with God is to miss the point. It is putting the cart before the horse, and it does not work. This is why Jesus asks of us to put God’s kingdom and His approval first in our lives. Everything else will fall into place as a consequence. (Matthew 6:33).

This special kind of king does not come in judgment or with punishment and condemnation but with sympathy and reconciliation. He comes to lift up sinners. He wills not the loss of any of the flock, but only that each member recognize Him. Jesus says that “everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice” (John 23:37). He is to be recognized by the pure of heart. Judgment in His kingdom will be levied according to whether we have recognized Him in our neighbors in need, by feeding, clothing, housing, refreshing and consoling them. Thus He insists: “I assure you, as often as you did it for one of my least brethren, you did it for me” (Matthew 25:40).

It is in the little steps we take that we build up the Kingdom of Christ. So, put one foot in front of the other and commit yourself to following Christ and helping others. You are not just reserving a place for yourself in the new Kingdom. You are leading others to it as well.

You are following the lead of Christ, our King.

—Fr. Hugh Duffy