590. What does the Church ask for when she prays “Thy Kingdom come”? (part 3 continuation)

590. What does the Church ask for when she prays “Thy Kingdom come”? (part 3 continuation)     

(Comp 590 repetition) The Church prays for the final coming of the Kingdom of God through Christ’s return in glory. The Church prays also that the Kingdom of God increase from now on through people’s sanctification in the Spirit and through their commitment to the service of justice and peace in keeping with the Beatitudes. This petition is the cry of the Spirit and the Bride: “Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

“In brief”

(CCC 2859) By the second petition, the Church looks first to Christ's return and the final coming of the Reign of God. It also prays for the growth of the Kingdom of God in the "today" of our own lives.  

To deepen and explain

(CCC 2820) By a discernment according to the Spirit, Christians have to distinguish between the growth of the Reign of God and the progress of the culture and society in which they are involved. This distinction is not a separation. Man's vocation to eternal life does not suppress, but actually reinforces, his duty to put into action in this world the energies and means received from the Creator to serve justice and peace (Cf. GS 22; 32; 39; 45; EN 31).   

Reflection

(CCC 2821) This petition is taken up and granted in the prayer of Jesus which is present and effective in the Eucharist; it bears its fruit in new life in keeping with the Beatitudes (Cf. Jn 17:17-20; Mt 5:13-16; 6:24; 7:12-13). [END] 

(Next question: Why pray “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”? )