My dear Kode,
Jesus had an older cousin named John, who was a prophet of God, and an austere and religious observant man.
John challenged the people of Israel to prepare for the coming of the promised Messiah by turning away from sins and getting baptized as symbol of their conversion.
He asked tax collectors not to take advantage of people, soldiers not to give false witness, and wealthy people to give part of their clothes and food to the poor.
Many followed John as he preached a kingdom of justice. Even Jesus, who was perfect in love, went to the line to be baptized, thus supporting John in his passionate way of preparing the hearts of the people for the great good news he was about to deliver.
After the popular John was arrested, Jesus started his public life. He start saying:
" Be attentive! The time has come and the Reign of the loving God is already between us!
Change the way you think, and trust this great good news! "
The dream that God has for us and His creation, His Kingdom, is already coming into being!
Open your eyes! And be happy for such a good news! This is awesome! This is great!
The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed that a farmer plants in the field. Although it is the smallest of all seeds, it grows larger than any garden plant, and becomes a tree where birds come and nest on its branches.
The Kingdom of God is like the little yeast that a woman puts into three big batches of flour, finally all the dough rise.
The Kingdom of God is like a party where all are welcome to join and cheer. Behold and start preparing your heart for this party, and you will be blessed with a tasting of it now here!
The Kingdom of God is more than a kingdom of justice. It is the outpouring of the unconditional love of God, that like a wave from the sea, will soak us and eventually fill us, showing the needlessness of our violence, selfishness and self-centered ways. It is the wonderfulness of being love so much that empowers creativity, kindness, forgiveness, and the utter freedom of the people of his Kingdom.
Open your eyes! And be happy for such a good news! This is awesome! This is great!
The dream that God has for us and His creation, His Kingdom, is already coming into being!
Blessed are those who pray for their enemies, who are able to show generosity even to the ones that rob them, for them are bringing the kingdom of heaven on earth.
Blessed are those who are poor in spirit, who put their trust on God and not on material things,
for the kingdom of heaven is theirs!
What great news, Kode, when you do so!
Blessed are those who weep, for they will discover the comforting God.
Blessed are the humble, for the humble will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be filled.
Blessed are you, Kode, when you are one of them!
Blessed are the merciful and kind, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are you, Kode, when you are one of them!
And, if the time comes when you are persecuted because you seek justice, or you are insulted and mistreated and your life is in danger because you follow Jesus, the Messiah, the son of God. Be happy, you have discovered a treasure that no-one will ever be able to take from you!
Many people followed Jesus when he started explaining the good news of the Kingdom. You can look at the gospel of Matthew chapter 5 to read more about what he was saying during the sermon of the mount. This is, however, the beginning of the story, and if you wish, I will talk more about him in my next letter.
Hugs,
Marc
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