The Universal Vocation and Participation in the Kingdom while on Earth

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The kingdom of God is already among us.[1] In countless ways we are able to experience the joy of Heaven on our earthly pilgrimage. Simply in God’s consolations, the gift of virtues, the joy of love, the “task that is easy, a burden that is light”[2], the freedom of the state of grace, reception of the Eucharist, Adoration of the Holy Eucharist, the presence of the Holy Spirit within all who are baptized, “the blessed company of angels and men united to God”[3], and the list goes on. Truly following the Will of God is nothing short of rewarding to all involved. Saint Vincent de Paul proclaims, “The kingdom of God is peace in the Holy Spirit; He will reign in you if your heart is at peace. So, be at peace… and you will honor, in a sovereign way, the God of peace and love.”[4] No one may offer something to God that they will not be compensated for[5], because no one may overcome God in anything, especially generosity. Even in the offering of one’s own life, God offers them an eternity.[6] By living the beatitudes the Christian participates in the vocation of all, that is to be holy and to be Jesus to all.[7] In this vocation, as we serve the poor, regardless of where their poverty lies, we serve God as Christ. Saint Paul exhorts us, “Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord…knowing that you will receive due payment”.[8] Any service we offer our neighbor, we do for Christ.[9] As adopted sons of God we, then, ought to behave as such, for the kingdom is truly here. "Christian, recognize your dignity and, now that you share in God's own nature, do not return to your former base condition by sinning. Remember who is your head and of whose body you are a member. Never forget that you have been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into the light of the Kingdom of God."[10] Christ came to not only bring salvation and healing but also draw us to the Father. It is proper, then as members of His body, to participate in this mission and life of Christ, insofar as we become Him, to bring all to divine communion with Him and His Church. Our work, evangelization, and catechesis, is to draw many into the kingdom, not just by corporal works of mercy but spiritual. Yet it is not burdensome, overbearing, or anxious but is a work that brings life.[11]

FN:

  1. The New American Bible, Revised Edition (Washington, DC: Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, 2011), at United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, www.usccb.org. (Luke 17:21)
  2. NABRE, Matthew 11:30.
  3. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd ed. (Washington, DC: United States Catholic Conference, 2000), 336.
  4. Paul, Vincent de. “Vincent De Paul Quotes.” We are Vincentians. Accessed February 15, 2020. http://vincentians.com/en/quotes-collection/vincent-paul-quotes/?quotes_page=16.
  5. NABRE, Mark 10:29-30.
  6. NABRE, Matthew 16:21.
  7. CCC, 1717, 460.
  8. NABRE, Colossians 3:23-24.
  9. NABRE, Matthew 16:25.
  10. CCC, 1691.
  11. NABRE, John 10:10.


I am a Theology major attending Holy Apostles College and Seminary. I am a Knight of Columbus and a Newman Ambassador for Pius XII Newman Center.

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