When is the Kingdom of God?
~ Experiencing the Ascension alongside the disciples leaves me with more questions than answers: When will God’s Kingdom come? Why must we wait? Jesus, where did you go? When will you return?
During these challenging days witnessing the devastating intersection of a dysfunctional immigration system, anti-immigrant acts, and natural disaster in our community, I can only ask: Why?
Why must Lorena bear her husband’s deportation, leaving her behind to fight to make ends meet for their children? Now due to the tornado, she is without electricity, her roof leaks, and she struggles to feed her children. Why?
Why must Maritza and Jorge have their roof torn off just days before the birth of their fourth child? Why do they again find themselves displaced one year after sleeping in the darkness of the Darien jungle and on the streets of Mexico City and downtown St. Louis? Why?
Jesus answers: “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority.” (Acts 1:7)
I admit, this answer is not especially satisfying now. I want immediate results: justice for immigrants, peace in our community, and security and acceptance for all. Is that not the promise of the Resurrected Christ? As the joy of Easter Sunday fades from our memories, we are left standing here looking at the sky and feeling small, powerless, and petrified.
But, through the voice of the angels, Jesus has a question for us too, “Why are you standing there looking at the sky?” (Acts 1:11) Yes, the Kingdom will come on God’s timeline and it may take a very long time, but waiting for it doesn’t mean we do nothing.
The Spanish word esperar means both “to wait” and “to hope.” When we hope, our waiting is transformed into active resistance to the temptation of allowing our whys to lead us to despair. Instead, we do our part–however miniscule–to build the Kingdom of God now. For the Christian, waiting is hoping. Our eyes move from the clouds above to the horizon of a new day dawning, and the Spirit invites our feet to follow.
Our Immigrant & Refugee Ministry volunteers have been doing their little part to build the Kingdom now: delivering food, accompanying our neighbors to their immigration check-ins, offering assistance navigating life in a foreign culture, and providing a listening ear. On behalf of our immigrant neighbors, I thank you for inspiring hope through your service, your donations, and your accompaniment. It is through your support of the Annual Catholic Appeal and your volunteer efforts that we can sustain this ministry. Thank you for your generosity!
Throughout the year, we present an article in the bulletin each week on a variety of topics, written by a member of our Parish staff or ministries on a rotating basis.