The Kingdom of God is at Hand

"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mk 1:15 RSV)

Lord, we fail to recognize you in your creation. You have come among us this day, and we know not the hour of our visitation. You have called us to follow you, yet we do not heed. You have performed your great works, yet we do not turn from our path.

Give us eyes to see you, the eyes of a child to recognize your hand among your many wonders. Give us a heart that is open, open to be changed and remade. Give us ears that hear you, hear your voice deep inside us calling our name. Help us to turn aside from this world and return to you, the one true God.

You have come to make us whole. You have come to reveal to us the Father. You have come as the lamb of sacrifice. You have come to institute a new kingdom, one not made of bricks and mortar, but of living stones built up to be a dwelling place for you. That the human race may reflect your glory and be drawn up into your presence. That we all may be united in you for all eternity.

Help us to build this kingdom. Help us to show it forth through our acts of charity, our reverence toward you, our love for one another. That one day, you may be all in all, and present us to the Father at the marriage supper, and we may reign forever with you, our King.