Jesus Christ came on earth to establish the
Kingdom of God among men. Why, then, does He
teach His disciples to pray for that which He has
already accomplished? It is because He came but
to plant the seed, which was afterwards to spring
up and grow into a perfect tree. Its process of
growth has been marred by the sins of men, by the
attacks of its foes, by the lukewarmness of its
friends. There are whole countries where the devil
still reigns. There are others which were once the
Kingdom of Christ, but now are so no longer.
Lament over these defections, and pray that God's
Kingdom may come to those countries where it is
still unknown.
As long as the world lasts we shall have to
offer this prayer. The world will never admit the
sovereignty of Christ, but will ever remain His
enemy. His Kingdom, though recognised and loved
by all men of good-will will always encounter the
bitterest opposition from the pride and self-love
and concupiscence of the world. Those who love
the world cannot brook the idea of Christ being
their King. They will not give up their independence.
Is this my spirit, or am I a man of good-will?
How am I to tell on which side I am fighting?
By the spirit that guides my actions. If I
am humble, charitable, willing to submit, patient,
forgiving, then I belong to the Kingdom of Christ,
and can heartily offer this petition. If I am proud,
selfish, resentful, harsh in my judgments, anxious
to be prominent, then I belong to the world, and
am a rebel against my King. "If any man love the
world, the charity of the Father is not in him"
(I St. John ii. 15).