In Thomas Merton s Vision of the Kingdom, Patrick F. O Connell reflects on the mysterious unifying symbol of the kingdom of God. One who has faith in Christ identifies with Christ, and acts as a member of His Body and a faithful citizen of His Kingdom. Our public duties as citizens of a nation, and citizens of the wider, more diverse world, are ultimately shaped by the fact we are destined for God, and are citizens of the Kingdom. We are diverse members of a unified body. They are accused of an arrogant faith.
Faith is assent that goes beyond the evidence.
Friends, spouses, parents, and children trust one another, and that trust strengthens bonds of friendship and love. God asks for our faith and trust in him. In order to give it, we must first learn to trust one another. Trust among friends and close family is a beginning but not an end to the matter. We must work together with the entire human family in order to understand all that we can of God, in order to sharpen and enlarge our dim sight of divine matters.