Are We Almost There Yet? Family Reflection Video

"Are we almost there yet?" That's a question posed by every child on what seems to be an endless car ride. Now, there plenty of adults asking a similar question, "Are we almost ready to return to normal?"

I thought of these questions because of Jesus' last line from today's gospel, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God."

Many people have expressed a longing to receive the Eucharist, to go to Confession, to be able to celebrate the Mass with their parish community in person. For some, the deprivation of these has caused them to feel far from the Kingdom of God, …and believe me, I understand. But, what Jesus reminds us is that through following the commandments and being willing to learn through His Word, we can remain close…not far from the Kingdom of God.

With that in mind, each of us can use the benchmark that Jesus presents to the Scribe and us. Do we love God with some or all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength? And, do we love our neighbor as ourselves?

What I find challenging and inspirational is that Jesus is calling for a total buy-in. He wants 100% effort both in loving God and loving our neighbor. But at the same time, Jesus knows it's not easy for us to live this way. Just look at the original track record of those closest to Him, including Peter.

But, if we believe that God is who we confess Him to be, then there's only one real response to His love. Take a look at Paul's letter to Timothy. In it, Paul explains why he's willing to love God above his physical freedom, why he's fully committed to be chained like a criminal. The reason is so that others may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus together with eternal glory.

For many of us, total commitment to love God and each other like ourselves is daunting, even in the best of situations. Despite this time of change and uncertainty, I think this is when we are most free to embrace this gospel message. We might have had our personal, academic, or professional lives shaken to the point that we like Paul and that Scribe are ready to commit to God in a more significant or renewed way.

"Are we near the Kingdom of God yet….? That's the question to ponder, pray, and talk about with God and your family today. If you can, help one another, be like Paul, encouraging and teaching how to get closer to God and each other, the way we are supposed to be, the way that gives us fulfillment and peace, to the One that leads to eternal life.

• Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)

• To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EDT, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)