Listen Here! Thy Kingdom Come
“The kingdom of heaven is at hand,” John proclaims. And the Liturgy today paints us a vivid portrait of our new king and the shape of the kingdom He has come to bring.
The Lord whom John prepares the way for in today’s Gospel is the righteous king prophesied in today’s First Reading and Psalm. He is the king’s son, the son of David - a shoot from the root of Jesse, David’s father (see Ruth 4:17).
He will be the Messiah, anointed with the Holy Spirit (see 2 Samuel 23:1; 1 Kings 1:39; Psalm 2:2), endowed with the seven gifts of the Spirit - (This is how we remember them: "wuc4kp - fear" Yep, works for us!)
Wisdom
Understanding
Counsel
Fortitude (strength)
Knowledge
Piety and
Fear of the Lord
He will rule with justice, saving the poor from the ruthless and wicked. His rule will be not only over Israel - but will extend from sea to sea, to the ends of the earth. He will be a light, a signal to all nations. And they will seek Him and pay Him homage.
In Him, all the tribes of the earth will find blessing. The covenant promise to Abraham (see Genesis 12:3), renewed in God’s oath to David (see Psalm 89:4,28), will be fulfilled in His dynasty. And His name will be blessed forever.
In Christ, God confirms His oath to Israel’s patriarchs, Paul tells us in today’s Epistle. But no longer are God’s promises reserved solely for the children of Abraham. The Gentiles, too, will glorify God for His mercy. Once strangers, in Christ they will be included in “the covenants of promise” (see Ephesians 2:12).
John delivers this same message in the Gospel. Once God’s chosen people were hewn from the rock of Abraham (see Isaiah 51:1-2). Now, God will raise up living stones (see 1 Peter 2:5) - children of Abraham born not of flesh and blood but of the Spirit.
This is the meaning of the fiery baptism He brings - making us royal heirs of the kingdom of heaven, the Church.
I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire. (Matthew 3:11)Go right to the ~2:30 mark (near the end)! The beginning of this film adaptation is just really corny. LOL
If you are not familiar with Godspell -- you might want to skip this! It is quite unique and off beat. But there is so much good that can be gleaned from the play. We did the play a few years ago and added the resurrection scene -- much needed. It has always bothered me that the play ended after the crucifixion with just a song to detail Christ's resurrection.
But, by golly, my kiddos remember their parables and Bible verses now!
As one commenter put it, "Awesome awesome song. As a Christian, this just really speaks to my soul... no matter how 70's and, well, hippie-ish it may appear. It has a really good Gospel message. :)
SOURCES:
Scott Hahn
Godspell
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