Your kingdom

     Our world seems endlessly busy, commuting, straining at our i-phones, watching TV and mindless commercials. We are a disgustingly consumer oriented society of wants and needs dictated by Madison Avenue types. It is truly a gloomy picture and when we have achieved or obtained what it is we are convinced is our raison d'etre, we feel a bit smug. Perhaps there is a feeling that we have complete ownership of everything. Even though a friend provided me with a cute picture of a hearse with a trailer attached, there really are no hearses with luggage racks. We cannot take it with us. The world can come crashing in at a moments notice. For myself and many people I know, age, current events and the trials of life lead us to the realization of what is truly important in life and 'things' are not among them.

     The Roman Church in my area several years ago embarked on a kind of mission, not unlike a company hiring a consultant. The focus of this kit campaign was all about our time, talents and treasures. It actually was a great program in which I actively participated. One of the real take away points is that we really do own nothing. Not our homes, our kids, our families, nothing. Everything we think we may own is really entrusted to us as  caretakers or as a guardian. Nothing is permanent and everything is temporary. 

     It might be a logical question for us as consumers then to ask, well who does own this stuff if we don't? God of course. No matter how much we have convinced ourselves that the stuff is ours or that we 'earned' it, it is truly all in God's hands.  Everything belongs to God.

      Perhaps it is time to assess all the stuff 'we have' and all the beauty and relationships we are graced with, entrusted with, and know from whom it really has come. It is after all His kingdom and we are the most loved 'subjects', His creation.  We came from God and we will return to God. Just some thoughts for today.

Our Father in heaven,
   hallowed be your name. 

Your kingdom come.
   Your will be done,
     on earth as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our debts,
     as we also have forgiven our debtors. 
And do not bring us to the time of trial,
     but rescue us from the evil one.