Sunday Reflection (November 24, 2019)

Jesus established a kingdom not one based upon retaliation, smashing the competition, arrogance, or militarily defeating the enemy.  Jesus established a kingdom based on humility, truth, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and love (Luke 23:33-38).  This was a type of kingdom no one expected, and a type of kingdom with which we have trouble establishing.

In the Christian sense, power is not a tool to dominate others and use violence to enforce that domination; rather, power is utilized to build up the kingdom of God through humility, truth, kindness, love, and yes, forgiveness.  There are prayers that remind us of this with the phrase:  “God chiefly show his power in mercy and compassion.”  May we not betray the kingdom of which Jesus bore witness and display power in enacting mercy and compassion.