Reading the Scriptures…makes it clear that the Gospel is not merely about our personal relationship with God. Nor should our loving response to God be seen simply as an accumulation of small personal gestures to individuals in need, a kind of “a la carte” or a series of acts aimed solely at easing our consciences.
The Gospel is about the kingdom of God; it is about loving God who reigns in our world. To the extent that he reigns within us, the life of society will be setting for universal fraternity, justice, peace and dignity. Both Christian preaching and life, then, are meant to have an impact on society. We are seeking God’s kingdom: “Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Jesus’ mission is to inaugurate the kingdom of the Father; he commands his disciples to proclaim the good news that “the kingdom of God is at hand.”