Building the Kingdom Together

A Reflection for Tuesday, March 17 by Rev. Madison J. McAleese

Lectionary reading for 03/17/2026: Psalm 146; Isaiah 42:14-21; Colossians 1:9-14;

Selected Passage for Reflection: Colossians 1:9-14

Read

Colossians 1:9-14 New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

9 For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s[a] will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. 11 May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.[d]

Reflect

How many of us can say that if we were imprisoned, we would be inspired to write to fellow Christians with encouragement and love? It may seem hard to grasp, but for Paul, it was second nature. While imprisoned, Paul pens this letter, encouraging the church in Colossae to keep their eyes on Jesus and to keep following the righteous path. How? Paul offers them a simple solution: bear good fruit, be strengthened through God’s power, have patience in God’s timing, and give thanks. These are all difficult concepts to grasp in daily life, let alone while incarcerated, but Paul knows something the rest of the community didn’t quite grasp yet. He knew about the Kingdom of God.

Paul is reminding us here of the lightness and great joy that can exist in the knowledge that we are redeemed, that the Kingdom of God reigns, despite the sorrows of this life. But what does this mean for daily life? It means we must recognize that the Kingdom has been ushered in, not in the future, not in the next life, not at some later time, but for the here and now. By saying we have been "transferred" into the Kingdom, he’s telling us it has already been inaugurated here on earth! Christians often focus on the future and on the next life as if there is no hope for this world. There’s the common thought that we are just passing through this earth, and all we have to do is hang on and prepare for the next life.

But it isn’t so! We have the great news that through Jesus, God’s Kingdom is present here, and available for us now, and it is our job to be a part of the liberating power of God that brings the full world into harmony with him. We are co-creators with the God of the universe. Isn’t that great news, indeed?

Respond 

Where do you see evidence of the Kingdom of God all around you? Take a few moments each day this week to notice where heaven is breaking through the darkness.

Now, how can you be a part of that work? Is there an action you can take to love others more deeply, to serve as a compassionate presence, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus here on earth?

Rest 

God of light and joy, we are grateful for your Kingdom, for the knowledge of your redemption and your vision for peace. Strengthen our wisdom of your presence and help us to bear good fruit always, having patience in your goodness, and bearing witness to your glory. Let us be co-builders of the new heavens and new earth, doing everything we can in all love and compassion to make it on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

About the Author 

Rev. Madison Jones McAleese is a priest, social impact leader, and nonprofit executive director. She is an ordained priest through the Catholic Apostolic Church in North America and presides at her local Dignity Chapter. She has a Master’s in Christian Studies and is completing her dissertation for her Doctorate in Social Transformation. Rev. Madison is also the Executive Director of FCM (Federation of Christian Ministries). She lives with her wife and dog, Bubbles, in Burbank, CA. You can find her at www.madisonjonesmcaleese.com.