What good news would you like to hear today? I’m taking my car in for a check up and I would love to hear the bill fits my budget! I would love to turn on the radio and hear some words of reconciliation on our political scene. It would be nice if the statistics on illness and death would improve. Oh, for a phone call from one of my children. There are so many messages of “good news” we could hear today. When Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist, was put in prison, Jesus traveled back to home territory, “Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, ‘The time has come,’ he said, ‘the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news.’”
“The time has come.” That sounds like our news stations counting down to next Wednesday and the inauguration. Events are unfolding and probably change is on the horizon. I’m not sure we would call it the “kingdom of God” but certainly we are approaching an event.
The time has come for serious preparation for the event. Soldiers are securing the parade route and the capital. The wedding dress is bought and hanging on the door. The food is ordered for the celebration party afterwards. Invitations have been sent. Anticipation is high. The coming of the kingdom of God is not dissimilar.
Jesus preached, “the time has come” for the unveiling of the kingdom of God. How are we preparing? Are we checking out news reports – reading Scripture? Are we encouraging our friends to “tune in” to unfolding events and prepare? Are we in prayer, responding to the invitation? I note that Jesus goes on to tell people to repent and believe.
Today we do have “good news.” No matter who becomes President of the US, God is still reigning over life. No matter what evil threatens our lives, our souls are in the hands of God. No matter what fears plague our thinking, Jesus offers the “peace that passes understanding.” We have much “good news” we can focus on and ground our lives in today in the midst of the chaos and turmoil of our world. May we think on those words as we go about our day. “The time has come! The kingdom of God is near!” Blessings.
On the Way to Wonder 