January 30: Proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven

Today, January 30, we read, in part, Matthew’s account of the Sermon on the Mount, the continuation of Jesus’ Proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven, which began shortly after John the Baptist’s arrest and imprisonment. During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus builds upon his teachings, providing the new commandments for Christian living. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven is the third Luminous Mystery—the Mysteries of Light—of the Holy Rosary.

The Mysteries of Light chronicle the ministry of Jesus, and the light of love and grace He brought into the world through his preaching and example.  Theadditional Mysteries of Light include:

The Baptism of Jesus by Saint John the Baptist in the River Jordan
The Miracle at the Wedding Feast in Cana
The Transfiguration
The Institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper

14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1: 14-15)


Jesus proclaims his good news, as well as his role in the fulfillment of the Holy Scriptures. Through his coming, we are offered the keys to the Kingdom, rebirth in the grace of God, and reconciliation of our sins.

18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

20Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." (Luke 4:18-21)

Jesus is clear, preaching that the Kingdom of God is here now, that through the love and grace of God we are reconciled and freed, and that rather than having to search it out, the Kingdom of God resides within each of us. Heaven is not a place to ascend to of a final destination, but rather a transformative way of living, here on earth, as it is in heaven.

20Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, 21nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:21)

Jesus further states quite plainly that earthly treasures, while attractive and glittery, only serve to distract us from our call inward to the Kingdom. God’s love for us resides within us, within our hearts, where our treasures also lie.

19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents the Beatitudes, the new commandments for our lives. We are called to draw upon our internal gifts and graces, and embrace our true selves in the reflection of God within. We are called to cast off the shackles of appearance and impression management, and let the love of the Lord—the Kingdom within us—break free to shine like the sun. We are called to be the children of God now, at this moment, and forever.

1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

19Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5: 1-12, 19-20)


As we live our daily lives, we are called to contemplate the Kingdom of God. The Beatitudes tell us that our external sufferings on this earth are rewarded internally through the love and grace of Christ and the Holy Spirit. Our pain is fleeting compared to the everlasting joy yet to come in the Resurrection.

Dear Lord, give me the courage to be a true follower of Christ, using the examples He gave when proclaiming the Kingdom of God, in both my private and public life.



Help me to teach others about You wherever I go, whether it be through word or deed.

Amen.





Year 2: Day 30 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Endurance; Love for the Lord; Preparation for the Coming of the Kingdom
Requested Intentions: For a brother who is struggling financially, for a son who is struggling academically (B); For financial security for a friend (C); Success in business; familial happiness and health (J); Health and recovery of a sister (I); Development of a chaste relationship pleasing to the Lord (E); Successful surgery of mother; delivery of daughters’ babies (L); For a friend suffering with depression (M); For a friend entering religious life (R); Success of a parish men’s retreat (H); For a mother who is grieving; for the soul of a dearly departed son (M); Reconciliation of a marriage (M); End to grief after death of son (B&C); End to grief (S); Successful marriage (N); For an RCIA candidate struggling with financial and family stressors (O); Freedom from anxiety regarding medical procedure (J); Return home of an ill mother, peace and financial security (J); Restoration of a marriage; family peace (N); Freedom from persecution (A); For a friend struggling with medical problems and surgery (L); Financial blessings (D); For the success of a project (T); Improved financial stability (A); Improved relationship with business partner (A); For employment (N); Reconciliation of a workplace relationship (R); Healing of son, cousin, and friend (L); Healing of a husband from cancer, end to medical problems (T); Freedom from persecution (E); Successful employment (R); Healing of a father following stroke (S).