Origen (c.185-253)
priest and theologian
On Prayer, ch 25
The kingdom of God is amongst us and within us
The kingdom of God according to our Lord and Savior’s word “does not come with signs to be observed, nor will they say, ‘Lo, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ but the kingdom of God is within us”. For the Word “is very near, in our mouth and in our heart” (cf. Dt 30:14; Rm 10:8).So it is clear that the one who prays that the kingdom of God may come, prays that the kingdom of God may spring up in him, bear fruit, and be rightly perfected. This is because every saint is ruled by God, obeys the spiritual laws of God, and dwells in himself as in a well-ordered city. The Father is present with him and Christ rules with the Father in his perfected soul in accord with the verse we called to mind a little earlier, "We will come to him and make our home with him" (Jn 14:23).
As we make continual progress, the highest point of the kingdom of God will be established for us when the apostle Paul’s word is fulfilled, when Christ with all His enemies made subject to Him will deliver "the kingdom to God the Father ... that God may be all in all" (1 Cor 15:24, 28). Therefore, let us pray constantly (cf. Thess 5:17) with a character being divinized by the Word, and let us say to our Father in heaven, "hallowed be your name, your kingdom come" (Mt 6:9).
Daily Marriage Tip for November 15, 2018:
“Fidelity to promises is truly a masterpiece of humanity!” – Pope Francis. Pray today for the grace to be faithful to all your promises, especially those made to your spouse and children.