In the first reading we are told that “we must go through many trials to enter the kingdom of God.”
We all want to have a good life, a good career, a nice family with a suitable house. We are willing to work hard for these things. But how eager are we “to go through many trials to enter the kingdom of God”?
The disciples of Jesus worked hard to let others know about the kingdom of God. They strove, through their preaching and good works, to make the kingdom of God a reality, though a partial one, even here on earth. The followers of Jesus, those who love him, want goodness and kindness to reign in their families and communities. They appreciate the peace which Christ gives and work hard that this peace may reign on earth.
Who do we say Jesus is? He is the Son of God whose mission was to do the will of the Father. In fact, the essence of the kingdom of God is that people do God’s will so that God’s love and peace may reign. These are what we should value and strive to establish all our days.