Being in the Kingdom of God, can become greater than John

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season: Second Week : Thursday*

*Gospel :Mt 11:11-15*

*First Reading : Is 41:13-20*

*Responsorial Psalm :Ps 145:1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13ab*

*Being in the Kingdom of God, can become greater than John*

*1) The Greatness of John*

In today's Gospel, we hear about John the Baptist and His greatness

Jesus says *among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist*

This shows the greatness of John, who prepared the way for the Lord 

*2) The Follower can become greater than John*

There is no doubt that John is a great prophet, who had command and authority to prepare the way of the Lord

His integrity of Life so great, no one can match to that 

He had great courage and strength to condemn the evil deeds and immorality

*Yet* Jesus says *the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he.*

How this is possible? 

*3) The Reality of the Kingdom of God*

The Kingdom of God becomes a actual reality only with the arrival of Jesus 

It is Jesus who brought the Kingdom of God and Established the Kingdom of God here on Earth 

So John could not be the part of the Kingdom of God. He only prepared the way for the Kingdom of God 

When we talk about the Kingdom of God, these things are really found in it 

The presence of Jesus

The fullness of God's revelation in the person of Jesus Christ

The Mission of Jesus 

The great Miracles and healings of Jesus 

The passion, death and Resurrection of Jesus 

The ascension of Jesus 

The coming of the Holy Spirit

The power of the Sacraments

The Eucharist 

The Church, Mystical body of Jesus 

All these things John could not see or he was not the part of it 

*4) Being in the Kingdom of God*

The Kingdom of God is a great reality, which is actuality after the arrival of Jesus 

Today we have been called to become the part of this Kingdom

We have the best opportunity to become the part of this Kingdom and to experience Jesus very closely 

*5)  Kingdom makes us greater than John*

According to Jesus, one who is the part of the Kingdom, one who is inside the Kingdom, one who follows the commands and demands of the Kingdom will be greater than John in the Kingdom of Heaven

*6) Great Privilege given to Us*

To the followers of Jesus great opportunities are given, even to become greater than John

Such a great chance we can hardly think of, but it is a reality 

If so,  am I ready to become the part of the Kingdom of God? 

Do I wish to come inside and remain inside the Kingdom of God, which makes me greater than John? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*