What world are you living in? I wonder if anyone has ever asked this question of you. It's rarely asked in a polite or kind or compassionate way. It usually implies that we are out of touch with the “real world.” But I wonder if we might consider it from a different perspective. Jesus, in the upper room, praying for his disciples (John 17) speaks of them being in this world but not of this world. Our Lord differentiates between the world of his kingdom and the kingdom of this world. The kingdom of this world loves darkness more than light. It has rejected the light and the truth that comes in Jesus and because of that it rejects those who follow him. No wonder that he prays for God to protect them. The same challenge is true for us today: living in the world but not being of the world. When we choose to follow Jesus, we will find that the ways of the world are often in conflict with the ways of his kingdom. Yet our Lord and our master bids us to follow, speaking words that give life and light to all who choose him. For the next eleven days we are intentionally praying: “Thy Kingdom Come” for our friends, our families, and our community. We pray this in the confidence that God’s kingdom is one of justice, truth, grace, love, and light. And so, the question comes to mind “What world are we living in?” But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 Blessings,
Matthew+ O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (BCP p.226) | 
