Imagine the wonder and hope of the crowds as they saw this man, Jesus, suddenly appear among them healing the sick, exorcising demons and proclaiming a message of good news. There must have been a certain excitement in the air. The kingdom of heaven has come near!

This coming 'near' is not a description of space, so much as time. Matthew tells his readers that God is with us now; the kingdom of heaven has come near to our time and lives as well! So, am I as excited as the followers in today's Gospel?

Sometimes it is not easy to sense that the same Christ who did great things for the crowds, is also at work in my life and proclaiming the good news to me today.

If I want to be more aware of the presence of Christ in my life, a change of heart is a great start. Can I admit that certain attitudes or behaviours pull me away from God? Am I willing to cooperate with Christ to let go of these so that I can become more aware of God's presence and voice in my life? Such a spirit of repentance is how we are called to welcome the kingdom.