I would like to continue to reflect on the Lord’s Prayer.
We pray: “Thy kingdom come”
Scholars tell us that the original Greek and Latin words that are translated “kingdom” could also be translated “reign.” A “kingdom” is a static place. Eg, The Kingdom of Great Britain. “Reign” is an active word. Eg. The reign of King Charles III.
Some thoughts for the Catechism of the Catholic Church….
2818 In the Lord’s Prayer, “thy kingdom come” refers primarily to the final coming of the reign of God through Christ’s return.88 But, far from distracting the Church from her mission in this present world, this desire commits her to it all the more strongly. Since Pentecost, the coming of that Reign is the work of the Spirit of the Lord who “complete[s] his work on earth and brings us the fullness of grace.”89
2819 “The kingdom of God [is] righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”90 The end-time in which we live is the age of the outpouring of the Spirit. Ever since Pentecost, a decisive battle has been joined between “the flesh” and the Spirit.91
Only a pure soul can boldly say: “Thy kingdom come.” One who has heard Paul say, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies,” and has purified himself in action, thought, and word will say to God: Thy kingdom come.
2820 By a discernment according to the Spirit, Christians have to distinguish between the growth of the Reign of God and the progress of the culture and society in which they are involved. This distinction is not a separation. Man’s vocation to eternal life does not suppress, but actually reinforces, his duty to put into action in this world the energies and means received from the Creator to serve justice and peace.
In the Preface for the Solemnity of Christ the King we pray:
“You anointed Jesus Christ, Your only Son,
with the oil of gladness,
as the eternal priest and universal king.
As priest He offered His life on the altar of the cross
and redeemed the human race by this one perfect sacrifice of peace.
As king He claims dominion over all creation,
that He may present to You, His almighty Father,
an eternal and universal kingdom:
a kingdom of truth and life,
a kingdom of holiness and grace,
a kingdom of justice, love, and peace.”
In a word, for what it’s worth, I see it this way. At Mass we pray that we await the glorious coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the kingdom [reign], the power and the glory are yours now and forever.
Those whose lives try to make a bit of this kingdom present on earth will inherit the eternal kingdom in glory. Those who make other’s lives hell on earth…well may God be a merciful and just judge.
A lot to think about when we say, “Thy kingdom come.”
Saint James Catholic Church 