Pope Francis' General Audience: English summary

Dear Brothers and Sisters:  In our continuing catechesis on the “Our Father”, we now turn to the second invocation, “thy kingdom come”.  This petition for the coming of God’s kingdom is offered frequently and urgently.  Jesus has come, and there are multiple signs of the kingdom, yet the world is still marked by sin and the hearts of many remain closed, which compels us to implore the Lord: “your kingdom come”! 

Sometimes we may ask, why does it emerge so slowly?  But God is not like us; God is patient!  He wants to establish his kingdom not with violence but with gentleness, for it is like a grain of mustard seed, which, though tiny, grows into a mighty tree.  The Lord always surprises us!  We see this as the night of Good Friday gives way to the dawn of Resurrection, which fills the whole world with hope.  “Thy kingdom come!”. 

Let us confidently plant this prayer amidst our sins and failings, and on behalf of the suffering and needy, for the Spirit has stamped all of Scripture with these word of hope: “‘Surely I am coming soon’.  Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev 22:20).