The Second Petition

"Thy Kingdom come"

COMPENDIUM

In these words, a threefold spiritual kingdom is included, i.e., the Kingdom of God within us, which is the realm of grace; the Kingdom of God on earth, which is the Holy Catholic Church; and the Kingdom of God in heaven, which is paradise.

In the order of grace, we ask that God may reign in us through His sanctifying grace, whereby He is pleased to dwell in us as in His own royal palace; and that we may remain united to Him through the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity, whereby He rules our minds, wills, and hearts. In the sphere of the Church, we pray for her diffusion and propagation throughout the world for the salvation of all men. Lastly, in the domain of glory, we beg that we may one day be admitted to paradise, for which we were created, and where we shall be entirely happy.

CATECHISM

293. What do we mean by the Kingdom of God?

By the Kingdom of God we mean a threefold spiritual Kingdom; that is, the reign of God in us, or the reign of grace; the reign of God on earth, or the Holy Catholic Church; and the reign of God in heaven, or Paradise.

294. In the words: Thy Kingdom come, what do we ask with regard to grace?

Regarding grace, we beg that God may reign in us by His sanctifying grace, by which He deigns to dwell within us as a king in his palace; and that He may keep us ever united to Himself by the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity, through which He reigns over our intellect, our will, and our heart.

295. In the words: Thy Kingdom come, what do we ask regarding the Church?

Regarding the Church, we ask that she may be spread and propagated ever more and more throughout the world for the salvation of mankind.

296. In the words: Thy Kingdom come, what do we ask regarding Heaven?

Regarding Heaven, we beg to be one day admitted into that Paradise for which we were created and where we shall be perfectly happy.