Homily for Thursday, Week 32 of Ordinary Time

Homily for Thursday
32d Week of Ordinary Time

Nov. 13, 2025
Luke 17: 20-25
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

“The coming of the kingdom of God cannot be observed” (Luke 17: 20).

It seems there are always people who predict the 2d Coming or the end time, people who think they’re the messiah, and people who “run in pursuit” (17:23) of the charlatans.  The 7th Day Adventists grew out of William Miller’s prediction the world was about to end in the 1840s and everyone should be ready.  We remember Jonestown, the Branch Davidians, and other frauds, and we smile at cartoons offering a tunic-clad fella carrying a “the end is near” sign.

It's true everyone should be ready, but not for a new messiah or an imminent parousia.  “The kingdom of God is among you” (17:21).  The Messiah has come and walked among us, and he remains present thru his Holy Spirit.  The kingdom can’t be observed in the usual manner of regal display and power, neither in Westminster Abbey nor Red Square nor the White House.

But it can be displayed by the followers of Jesus Messiah who make his presence felt by their words and actions—followers like Mother Cabrini, Edmund Rice, John Bosco, and Mother Teresa.  In the saints the kingdom of God was present.  The kingdom remains manifest and observable in all who imitate Jesus.