In his weekly General Audience, Pope Francis continued his catechesis on the “Our Father” prayer. This week he focused on the second invocation “thy kingdom come.”
The pope noted sometimes people wonder why it takes so long for God's Kingdom to emerge. He said this is because He is patient and “wants to establish his kingdom not with violence but with gentleness.”
Pope Francis used the image of the mustard seed to illustrate this point that though tiny it grows into a mighty tree.
He said God surprises and this is seen in Good Friday which “gives way to the dawn of Resurrection” filling the world with the hope of God's approaching Kingdom.
He invited Christians to “confidently plant this prayer” amidst one's sins and failings as well as for those suffering.
SUMMARY OF POPE'S CATECHESIS
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In our continuing catechesis on the “Our Father”, we now turn to the second invocation, “thy kingdom come.”
This petition for the coming of God’s kingdom is offered frequently and urgently. Jesus has come, and there are multiple signs of the kingdom, yet the world is still marked by sin and the hearts of many remain closed, which compels us to implore the Lord: “your kingdom come!”
Sometimes we may ask, why does it emerge so slowly? But God is not like us; God is patient! He wants to establish his kingdom not with violence but with gentleness, for it is like a grain of mustard seed, which, though tiny, grows into a mighty tree.
The Lord always surprises us! We see this as the night of Good Friday gives way to the dawn of Resurrection, which fills the whole world with hope. “Thy kingdom come!” Let us confidently plant this prayer amidst our sins and failings, and on behalf of the suffering and needy, for the Spirit has stamped all of Scripture with these word of hope: “‘Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (Rev 22:20).
I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially those from England, Wales, India, the Philippines and the United States of America. May the Lenten journey we begin today bring us to Easter with hearts purified and renewed by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Upon you, and your families, I invoke joy and peace in Christ our Redeemer!
