By Will Nordmark, Spiritual Reflections

The Gospel lesson for June 22 in my tradition and many other churches is from Matthew 9:35-10:8. Please read the passage sometime, but in summary it recounts Jesus traveling to various places to teach and proclaim the “good news of the kingdom.” Matthew tells us that Jesus, when he looked at the crowds who came to listen to him, had compassion on them and described them as “sheep without a shepherd.” Then Matthew names the 12 disciples that Jesus called to be his inner circle. Jesus sent out the 12 with instructions that included proclaiming the kingdom of heaven having come near and specific instruction as what to what they were to do.

As Matthew uses the phrases, “kingdom of heaven” and “good news of the kingdom” he is referring to the same thing. “Good news of the kingdom” can also mean the “kingdom of God.” Jesus often spoke in parables when he was describing the kingdom – that is, it is like finding something valuable in a field or finding something that you thought you lost – like a sheep or a child or a coin. When you find something you are happy and excited and that is how the kingdom is – exciting and joyous.

I have been taught that the kingdom of God isn’t just in heaven; it is here on earth as well. It is here on earth because Jesus walked the earth and spent time here and thought so much of God’s creation (including humanity) that he was willing to die for us.

Jesus is present; the kingdom of God is present when two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus. The kingdom of God is present when we, as Jesus’ disciples, do those things that he told the original ones to do: proclaim the good news, heal, care for the homeless and helpless, for those who have experienced disasters or are hungry or in any need. The kingdom comes when we act like “little Christs” – Martin Luther’s words, to others. We are not Jesus and the kingdom does not depend on our actions or inactions, but when we live as Jesus expects us to live, the kingdom is present.

(Rev. Will Nordmark is pastor at St. James Lutheran Church in Burnsville. He is one of several area pastors who write columns for "Spiritual Reflections.")