The Kingdom of heaven suffers violence

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season :  2nd Week : New Liturgical Year : Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 11:11-15*

*First Reading : Is 41:13-20*

*The Kingdom of heaven suffers violence*

*1) Violence During the Early Church*

The Gospel of the day says that *From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence*

This is very true in the early Church. For the first 300 years Church severely suffered violence and many people gave  their life for Christ 

The Beginning of the kingdom of God, suffered heavy violence, in order to suppress it. But nothing could stop God's work 

*2) Violence through the Centuries*

The Kingdom of God has suffered violence through the centuries 

For over 2000 years, the Kingdom of God had to face many trials and tribulations from many curel rulers and Kings 

In a way the history of the Church was very painful because of the Violence against the Church 

*3) Present Day violence*

Presently, it is the Church which suffers a most among all religion, for the sake of Christ 

All over the World, the persecution against the Church, against the mission of the Church and against the Kingdom of God is on rise 

The New Rules and Regulations are at times aimed at targeting the mission of Christ and the missionaries 

So it is very clear that the Kingdom of God suffers violence even today 

*4) Kingdom of God means the Following*

Forgiveness in the name of Jesus

Service in the name of Jesus

Loving enemies in the Name of Jesus 

Humility in the name of Jesus

Justice in the name of Jesus 

Sacrifice in the name of Jesus 

Generosity in the name of Jesus 

Practice of all the Kingdom values 

When someone obstructs these values and persecutes persons who are working for these values, the Kingdom of God, suffers violence

*5) Does Kingdom of God, suffers violence because of me?*

There are many instances where the Kingdom of God suffers violence because of my failures in the Following areas 

When I fail to forgive

When I fail to love

When I fail to serve 

When I fail to sacrifice

When I fail to practice humility

When I fail in generosity

When I fail in helping the needy 

When I fail to share 

When I become arrogant, proud, selfish and revengeful person  

*6) My responsibility*

I must see that the kingdom of God should not suffer violence because of me. This is the first responsibility 

Secondly, I must try to convince others as far as possible not to get involved in the violence against the Kingdom of God 

Thirdly I need to promote the kingdom Values every where in whatever way possible

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*