[CS-FSLUG] NI: On Becoming the Kingdom of God

[Fred A. Miller]

From the Old Orthodox Eparchy of Nebraska

During the time of St. Francis, there were two robbers who caused havoc on the 
countryside. When St. Francis was away from his group one day, the two 
robbers appeared. His disciples beat them up and drove them away. When 
Francis returned, his disciples proudly told him what they had done. Instead 
of being pleased, Francis was deeply saddened. With tears in his eyes, he 
approached each of his disciples and begged forgiveness. He told them that he 
had failed them, that if he had taught them the true love of God, they would 
not have acted in such away. Instead of blows, they would have showered the 
love and understanding of God upon their enemies. Francis then sought out the 
two beaten and bruised robbers. He got down on his knees and begged their 
forgiveness. He confessed to them what a failure he was for not having taught 
his disciples the true love of God. He then proceeded to treat their wounds 
and feed them. The robbers were so impressed with this saintly man who was so 
poor in spirit that they joined his band and became two of his most trusted 
disciples. In this instance, St. Francis became the Kingdom of God by doing 
the will of God. That Kingdom was so attractive that the two robbers wanted 
it. "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." When I 
do the will of God, I become the Kingdom of God.

See how the Father has shown His love towards us; that we should be counted as 
God's sons, should be His sons. If the world does not recognize us, that is 
because it never recognized Him. We are sons of God even now, and that we 
shall be thereafter, has not been made known as yet. But we know that when He 
comes, we shall be like Him; we shall see Him, then, as He is. Now, a man who 
rests those hopes in Him lives a life of holiness; he too, is holy (1 Jn 
3:1-3).

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