finally reach heaven. But Jesus reminds us that “the Kingdom of God is among you.” It is not a place to be found with signs or predictions, but a reality that begins the moment we let Christ reign in our hearts.

In today’s world, comfort and convenience can dull our longing for God’s Kingdom. We become content with what we have: our jobs, our health, our holidays; and forget to look beyond. Yet the true measure of life is not how long or how well we live, but whether love, mercy, and goodness reign within us.

Every act of compassion, every forgiveness given, every surrender to God’s will, these are signs that the Kingdom has already come. It is not about waiting for the end, but allowing Christ to rule our minds and hearts here and now.

Reflection Question: If God’s Kingdom starts within me, how can I change my heart to be more like His?

Today’s Scripture reminds us that authority is never self-made. It is a gift from God, a trust to be exercised for the good of others. Jesus used His authority not to dominate, but to heal, to reconcile, and to bring unity. His power was rooted in compassion and humility. He respected the boundaries of others’ authority, even as He exercised His own with divine wisdom.

Many lose respect for authority because they have seen it abused, when leadership becomes self-serving rather than self-giving. The challenge for us is to lead in such a way that others are grateful for our leadership, not resentful of it. True authority should never feed pride, but inspire service.

Ultimately, whether we lead or follow, our response must be one of gratitude. Like the Samaritan leper who returned to thank Jesus, only a grateful heart is truly healed and saved. Gratitude keeps our hearts humble and reminds us that all power, all responsibility, and all success belong to God.

Reflection Question: How am I using the authority or influence entrusted to me to serve others with humility and gratitude, as Jesus did?

As the Church draws close to the end of the liturgical year, we are invited to confront the ultimate question: where are we going after this life? The early Scriptures wrestled with this mystery, but over time, through revelation and reflection, God showed us that death is not the end. The souls of the virtuous are in His hands. Those who trust in Him “live with Him in love,” and our loved ones who have gone before us are not lost—they are with God, awaiting the fullness of the resurrection.

This hope, however, is not passive. Faith is not merely believing in life after death; it is living each day in fidelity, charity, and obedience to God. Jesus reminds us in the Gospel that we do not earn salvation by our works, nor does God owe us anything. Everything we are capable of doing, working, serving, loving, is already a gift from Him. The true disciple recognises this and responds not with entitlement, but with gratitude.

To be ready for eternal life is to live a life of continual self-giving. We give because God has given to us first: health, resources, opportunities, relationships. When we give fully of ourselves, we will be at peace when the Lord calls us home. Our readiness for eternity is found not in fear, but in faithful, generous love.

Reflection Question: How is God inviting me today to live with deeper gratitude and generosity, so that my life becomes a sincere preparation for eternity?