What Kind of Kingdom?
“If you wish to anoint me king over you in good faith, come and take refuge in my shadow.” (Judges 9:15)
A Royal Kingdom
I was eleven when my mother woke me at 3am, and we crept to the basement to watch the royal wedding of Charles and Diana. I was obsessed with Diana from the moment of her engagement until her untimely death. I’ve always wondered if she knew what she was getting herself into.
I’ve continued following the royal family. I still wonder if these women had any idea what this life would be like? Do these children understand, what these titles mean and what the future holds?
The Royal Kingdom
Today’s readings are about THE Royal Kingdom. Abimelech becomes the king of the Jewish people and promises refuge under his shadow. The Psalmist rejoices in the Lord who strengthens His kings, and Jesus tells us, even those who come late to the Kingdom are welcome.
This Kingdom is different. This is a realm where goodness and mercy are the keys to admittance, not wealth, fame, or bloodline. However, in God’s Kingdom, there is a great difference in how the royal family should be seen and behave. In this Kingdom, “the last will be first, and the first will be last” (Matthew 20:16). The Royal Family, to which all of us are called, is to serve, not be served.
The Royal Servants
I think this is something Diana understood. Think of the way we talk about her today—she cared for those with Aids, she walked on the dusty road with Mother Teresa, she fought against landmines. She wasn’t serving the royal family; she was a royal serving others.
If we wish to be counted among the Royal Family, we must do our work for the Kingdom. We must accept our daily wage, often earned by carrying a cross, and we must lead a life of service. It’s not the glamor or glitz that are important but the times we get down and dirty in service to the Kingdom.
First published on August 20, 2025 at https://catholicvineyard.com/what-kind-of-kingdom/
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