52. How to seek God’s Presence

Readings:

First Reading: Wisdom 7:22–8:1
Gospel: Luke 17:20-25

In today’s readings, we encounter a profound theme: the nature of God’s wisdom and the reality of God’s kingdom. Both readings guide us toward a deeper understanding of what it means to seek God’s presence and to live in His light.

1. The Wisdom of God (First Reading)

The first reading from the Book of Wisdom presents a beautiful description of wisdom as a divine, creative force present in all things. The writer describes wisdom as “a reflection of eternal light, a spotless mirror of the working of God, and an image of his goodness.”

This portrayal reminds us that wisdom is not just knowledge or intelligence; it is God’s own presence and insight shared with us. Wisdom is pure, gentle, and powerful, permeating all things and guiding them toward God’s purposes.

This passage invites us to reflect on the role of wisdom in our own lives. Do we seek God’s wisdom to guide our choices, or do we often rely on our own limited understanding? True wisdom calls us to align ourselves with God’s heart and His way of seeing the world.

When we pray for wisdom, we are asking to see with God’s eyes, to act with His compassion, and to understand His purposes for us. It is an invitation to deeper communion with Him, where we are open to being transformed by His truth and light.

2. The Kingdom of God in Our Midst (Gospel)

In the Gospel, the Pharisees ask Jesus when the Kingdom of God will come, likely envisioning a political kingdom or a powerful display of God’s might. But Jesus responds, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed … for, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.”

Jesus reveals that God’s kingdom is not a spectacle, nor is it something we wait for passively. Instead, it is already here, present among us, and it grows within us when we live in faith, hope, and love.

This teaching may have been a shock to the Pharisees and others expecting a visible, triumphant kingdom.

But Jesus wants to shift our focus from worldly expectations to spiritual realities. The kingdom of God is about transformation from within, the growth of God’s life in our hearts.

It’s something that becomes visible not in political power but in small acts of kindness, forgiveness, mercy, and love, signs of God’s presence moving among us.

3. Living in Wisdom and Building the Kingdom

Both readings invite us to live with a heightened awareness of God’s presence in the world. God’s wisdom and God’s kingdom are intimately connected, both manifesting in a life that seeks to reflect God’s goodness and truth.

As disciples, we’re called to bring about the Kingdom by living according to God’s wisdom. This doesn’t require extraordinary actions but ordinary moments filled with grace.

When we forgive someone who has wronged us, offer kindness to those in need, or stand up for justice and truth, we are manifesting the Kingdom of God here and now.

Wisdom leads us into this kingdom-building way of life, helping us to act with love, humility, and courage in our daily encounters.

4. Practical Takeaways

Today’s readings give us some practical insights for living out our faith:

Seek God’s Wisdom Daily: Spend time in prayer, asking God for the wisdom to see the world as He does. Reflect on decisions and challenges through the lens of love, humility, and patience.
Recognise the Kingdom Around You: Look for the signs of God’s kingdom in your everyday life. Notice where love, justice, and kindness are at work, and be part of that goodness in the world.
Act as a Citizen of God’s Kingdom: Live out your faith in small ways that make the kingdom visible. Serve others, forgive readily, and seek peace and unity.

Prayer

God’s wisdom and kingdom are gifts that draw us closer to you and to each other.

Your promises are realities in our midst, inviting us to live in love and trust. Help us to open our hearts to your wisdom, seeking to be transformed so that, through us, your kingdom may grow here on earth. Jesus, I love and trust in You. Amen.

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I’m Paula Rose Parish — a former atheist of 21 years, Protestant pastor for over 40 years, and now a Catholic convert. After a powerful encounter where Jesus audibly called me to follow Him, my life was forever changed. I’ve ministered across Australia, the USA, and the UK, and today, I share my journey of faith, hope, and transformation.

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