Kingdom Vulnerability

Today’s Gospel Text: Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and men of violence take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John; 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Eli'jah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Matt 11:11-15

Reflection: The Kingdom of heaven is not so invincible that men of violence cannot touch it or lay hold of it by force: "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and men of violence take it by force." (vs. 12)

Its earthly presence is a humble docile presence in the hearts of men who have given their lives to serve God as with John the Baptist and the likes.

They too suffered violent persecutions from the people and by men in authority just as John the Baptist faced it, therefore the question was posed to the persecutors; to those in authority, by Jesus:

    

“The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven or from men?" Matt 21:25

These violent men in authority knew that they were now caught in their own trap, because by now it seemed that the people have become defenders of the faith rather than the men in authority who are supposed to be the guardians of the sound doctrine.

These men of violence like most men of similar categories do not know the language of divine wisdom and hence the only way they seek their gain is through violence and subjugation; expecting men to be obedient to their whims and fancies. 

Though they ultimately do have their say and manage to achieve the subjugation of the kingdom through violence and make a gain, at least in their own eyes, but they fail to see the marvels of God's work which still continues to grow and spread.

It grows and spreads because it is the kingdom not of the earth but of heaven, a kingdom not perishable but an imperishable one, not a momentary one but a lasting one.

    

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  In this you rejoice, 1 Peter 1:3-6a

Prayer:  Lord, I believe in your great assurances, help me live the reality of your eternal kingdom, imperishable and undefiled, even in the midst of trials and persecutions. 

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