Minute Meditations: The Proclamation of the Kingdom

John the Baptist was the first to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:2), and he was also known as the "Voice crying out in the wilderness," (Matthew 3:3) fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3.  I often think of these two Scripture verses while meditating on the Third Luminous Mystery, The Proclamation of the Kingdom.

I reflect on how I can proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is at hand through my actions, words and deeds.  I resolve to act as a true Christian and treat all people as brothers and sisters in Christ and pray for them, even when they are rude or insensitive or just plain sinful.  It is a difficult task, and I often fail, but I continually pray for the grace to accomplish this.

I also want to be a "voice crying out in the wilderness."  In our secular society, too often we Catholics are reluctant to speak up for what is right.  Sometimes we just don't know what to do, but we can pray that God will show us. 

As an example, a few weeks ago, I read an article in a local church bulletin about the 40 Days For Life campaign.  A group would be praying daily outside an abortion clinic in a nearby city during the campaign.  The next week, I had a hair appointment in the city but didn't feel comfortable joining the group.  I was afraid of being arrested or accosted or any number of other possible negative consequences.  Later that day, I wrote a blog entry which had nothing whatsoever to do with abortion or praying outside an abortion clinic.  Then two people wrote comments on the entry about praying outside an abortion clinic.  I instantly knew that God was telling me to go.  I had to drive to the city twice that week to get my car repaired, and both times I prayed outside the abortion clinic.  I wept as I prayed the Rosary, overcome by emotion at what was being done to the most innocent human beings.  I was not arrested or accosted.  Instead, I met several wonderful people and felt that I was at least doing something to end this horrible abomination in our country.

Pray the Rosary today and ask for the courage and the resources to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven.