Are we content to live in a world dominated by ‘the law of the jungle’ where we must crush or overpower others in order to succeed? Are we happy living in a world where we view other people with suspicion and, for fear of losing what we have, erect physical or invisible barriers around us? Do we resign ourselves to letting the days pass by without hope and without finding meaning in what we experience? Furthermore, do we even ask ourselves if this is really living life to the full?
In a complex and uncertain world, we have the opportunity to be bearers of a new way of understanding life. But to do so, we must first experience it. How can we do this?
Through no choice of our own, we have been born with certain abilities or talents that have been freely given to us. Some people find it easy to communicate, others havean artistic and creative capacity and we all possess a certain intelligence. In addition, life may have given us unique opportunities to develop these talents. The question is what do we do with all this? We have two options: we can either use these abilities solely for our own personal benefit, enjoying what they offer us, or we can put them at the service of others and share them.
Perhaps the second option will not guarantee immediate financial gain — which today seems to be the world’s main driving force — but it will undoubtedly allow us to help build a different way of life and contribute to creating a world in which competition is not an end in itself but a means to improve and grow together.
This will not be an external reality but a process that begins in our daily relationships and in the choices that determine our behaviour. People who live in this way demonstrate that change is possible. Wherever they are, they bring a new paradigm into view and show that this change is near.
Let’s act humbly and share who we are and what we have. We could accompany and offer affection to those who need warmth and closeness, thus alleviating their suffering. Let’s practise those values that can be a driving force for change and contribute to a society founded on justice, respect, peace and the dignity of all people; a society in which forgiveness and reconciliation are promoted and the good of all is sought.
We are stronger and more credible if we act together, especially if we remain steadfast in our choices. Let our actions not seek recognition, nor be based on calculation or self-interest. Transformation is slow, sometimes imperceptible, but if we persevere, change will come about, grow and take root. The future is beginning to take shape.
THE IDEA OF THE MONTH is currently produced by the Focolare Movement’s “Centre for Dialogue with People of Non religious Beliefs”. It is an initiative that began in 2014 in Uruguay to share with non-believing friends the values of the Word of Life, i.e. the phrase from Scripture that members of the Movement strive to put into practice in their daily lives. Currently, THE IDEA OF THE MONTH is translated into 12 languages and distributed in more than 25 countries, with adaptations of the text according to different cultural sensitivities. dialogue4unity.focolare.org
In this chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, the apostles have just been chosen by Jesus. He has called them by name and given them special powers to cast out unclean spirits and the ability to heal every disease and infirmity. He then gives them instructions on where and how to carry out their first mission. In fact, the message they are to proclaim is clear: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”[1].
The stipulation to proclaim this message as they go emphasises two things. First and foremost, true disciples should proclaim the closeness of the Kingdom but it is also true that their relationship, as they journey forward together, should also witness to this message. In fact, in John’s Gospel, after giving the new commandment, Jesus says: ‘By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’[2].
As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ […]
[…] Freely you have received, freely give.
The ‘kingdom of heaven’ is at the heart of Jesus’ proclamation. The similar expression, ‘kingdom of God’, is used in the Old Testament to indicate God’s lordship, governance and saving action in human history. He is the ruler of the world and especially of the people of Israel, who were waiting for a descendant of King David to restore Israel’s role among the nations. In the New Testament, Jesus himself is presented as this descendant and therefore king. Unlike a temporal kingdom, the “kingdom of heaven” is a reign of peace and justice where forgiveness and reconciliation and care for the needy prevail, bringing light and life to all nations. It is a kingdom that already exists in the world and in the human heart but will only reach fulfilment at the return of Jesus.
As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ […]
[…] Freely you have received, freely give.
Jesus announces that the kingdom is close in time. It is imminent. Parables such as that of the mustard seed or the leaven in the dough indicate that the kingdom grows humbly and mysteriously but with great tenacity. ‘Near’ also has a spatial meaning. When the disciples, who carry the presence of Jesus’ spirit, approach on foot, the kingdom of God approaches, and when, in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus says to the scribe:
‘You are not far from the kingdom of God,’ [3] he probably meant not only ‘you have begun to understand’ but also ‘you are not far from me.’
As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ […]
[…] Freely you have received, freely give.
The word ‘freely’ translates a term that in the original Greek means ‘as a gift.’ This highlights that what the apostles received was not given to them because they deserved it. Instead, the source is God’s generosity and the fact that they were chosen for a special mission.
Chiara Lubich writes: “The kingdom of God must therefore be welcomed. It is a gift that God gives you. In fact, no human effort, no ascetic endeavour, no study or intellectual research can bring you into the kingdom of God. It is God himself who comes to meet you, who reveals himself with his light or touches you with his grace. there is no merit that you can boast of, or rely on, to be entitled to such a gift from God. The kingdom is offered to you freely ‘ [4]. Today, we too are called to welcome this gift. We are invited to continue the task that Jesus entrusted to the apostles, that is, to proclaim with words and deeds that the kingdom of God is near. Even in this troubled and uncertain world, we are called to announce a message of hope to everyone we meet. God loves the world and each one of us immensely.
Prepared by Augusto Parody Reyes & the Word of Life Team
![“As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ […] Freely you have received, freely give.” (Mt 10:7-8)](https://www.focolare.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/birgit_lutzer-group-4708306_1920-980x653.jpg)