Gospel reading: Mt 11:11-15
Jesus said to the crowds: “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force. All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”
Reflection
NONE GREATER THAN JOHN THE BAPTIST
Jesus declares John the Baptist to be the greatest among those born of women. John’s entire life is devoted to preparing the coming of the only Son of God. John becomes so exemplary in his life that he is even mistaken to be the Messiah. But he is quick to correct this mistake: he is not the Messiah. Rather, he is the precursor, the announcer, the voice of one crying out in the desert to prepare the way of the Lord. He is also the prime witness to the Light, as the gospel of John says.
And yet, Jesus declares that the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than John, indicating the superiority of the new order he has ushered in. This means that between this world and the Kingdom of God there is an ocean of difference, especially in our valuation of what is great or not. As Jesus declares, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all” (Mk 9:35) and “The greatest among you must be your servant” (Mt 23:11).
Whether you are as great as John or as ordinary as any other person, simply do your part in the world.
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