the temporal welfare of any people by establishing this kingdom. Rather does she foster and take to herself insofar as they are good, the ability, resources, and customs of each people. Taking them to herself she purifies, strengthens, and ennobles them. The Church is mindful that she must harvest with that King to whom the nations were given for an inheritance (Psalm 2:8) and into whose city they bring gifts and presents (Psalm 71, 72: 10; Isaiah 60:4-7; Revelation 21:24) (LG 13 – Vatican II Document).Kingdom of GodIn the Old Testament this was the governing of the people of Israel by God. Later, the Israelites came to look forward to a “New” kingdom. In the New Testament there are numerous references to the “kingdom of God” and parables that speak in a less direct manner of this kingdom which has come through Christ. Most emphatically the knowledge of this kingdom and the knowledge of the mystery of the Incarnation have been given to the disciples of Christ. It is a declaration of the divinity of Christ (Luke 10:2-24), the knowledge of which the disciples will bring to others that they may attain to their salvation—participation in God’s love in heaven.Vatican II teaches: “The mystery of the holy Church is manifest in her very foundation, for the Lord Jesus inaugurated her by preaching the good news, that is, the coming of God’s Kingdom, which for centuries, had been promised in the Scriptures; “This is the time of fulfillment. The reign of God is at hand’ (Mark 1:15 Matthew 4:17). In Christ’s word, in His works, and in His presence this kingdom reveals itself to men. The word of the Lord is like a seed sown in a field (Mark 4:14). Those who hear the word with faith and become part of the little flock of Christ (Luke 12:32) have received the kingdom itself. Then, by its own power the seed sprouts and ripens until harvest time (Mark 4:26-29). “T...
