Jesus Christ came on earth to establish the Kingdom of God among men. Why, then, does He teach His disciples to pray for that which He has already accomplished? It is because He came but to plant the seed, which was afterwards to spring up and grow into a perfect tree. Its process of growth has been marred by the sins of men, by the attacks of its foes, by the lukewarmness of its friends. There are whole countries where the devil still reigns. There are others which were once the Kingdom of Christ, but now are so no longer. Lament over these defections, and pray that God's Kingdom may come to those countries where it is still unknown.

As long as the world lasts we shall have to offer this prayer. The world will never admit the sovereignty of Christ, but will ever remain His enemy. His Kingdom, though recognised and loved by all men of good-will will always encounter the bitterest opposition from the pride and self-love and concupiscence of the world. Those who love the world cannot brook the idea of Christ being their King. They will not give up their independence. Is this my spirit, or am I a man of good-will?

How am I to tell on which side I am fighting? By the spirit that guides my actions. If I am humble, charitable, willing to submit, patient, forgiving, then I belong to the Kingdom of Christ, and can heartily offer this petition. If I am proud, selfish, resentful, harsh in my judgments, anxious to be prominent, then I belong to the world, and am a rebel against my King. "If any man love the world, the charity of the Father is not in him" (I St. John ii. 15).