Thursday 11th December – Thursday of the 2nd week of Advent

Reflection: Matthew 11:11-15

THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Jesus frequently made reference to the “Kingdom of God” during His earthly ministry, making us realise that it is a very important subject. In His parables about the Kingdom, Jesus emphasized that it is worth abandoning everything for the kingdom. The Kingdom of God is the reign of God which Christ came to establish through his death and resurrection. A reign that encompasses all people and nations whom He has called into His Church. Hence, through our baptism, we become children of God and heirs to the Kingdom of God. (James 2:5).

Today, Jesus says that though John the Baptist was the greatest person that had lived, yet the least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than John (Matthew 11: 11). Was Jesus contradicting Himself? Certainly not! John was the greatest Old Testament prophet (Matthew 11:9). Jesus’ expression helps us to understand that in the New Covenant, the least of the New Testament saint outshines the most illustrious of the old. This is because the Old Testament prophets looked ahead to the New Covenant but did not fully share in its blessings (Matthew 13: 17; 1 Peter 1: 10-12).

We are privileged to be called into God’s kingdom through the new covenant mediated by the blood of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. The Kingdom of God can only be experienced by those who submit to Him. His kingdom brings with it righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Rom.14:17). Let us always give heed to Jesus (the Kingdom of God who is within you). (Luke 17:21). Only He can heal our unrighteousness. He is the way to this Kingdom. He lives in you!

PRAYER: Thank you Father for making me a heir of your Kingdom. Help me to live with the consciousness of the person of Christ who dwells in me. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 2816 – “It may even be… that the Kingdom of God means Christ Himself, whom we daily desire to come, and whose coming we wish to be manifested quickly to us. For as He is our resurrection, since in Him we rise, so he can also be understood as the Kingdom of God, for in Him we shall reign.”

HIDE A TREASURE: “…behold, the Kingdom of God is in your midst” Luke 17:21 RSV-CE

Readings for Today: Isaiah 41: 13-20; Psalm 145: 1, 9-13; Matthew 11:11-15