“But he who is least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than John.” (Mt 11:11)

“But he who is least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than John.” (Mt 11:11)

Today’s Passage: Mt 11:28-30

Meditation: In today’s meditation verse Jesus reminds us of the difference between the greatness of heaven and earth. One who is great here on earth need not be great in heaven. For the norm of the earth and norm of the heaven are different. The word of the Lord says, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways.” (Ps 55:8) Therefore, we called to lead life that suits to the norm of heaven.

Since “our citizenship is in heaven,” (Phil 3:20) we have to have the norm of heaven in our life, not of the earth. If we go after the norm of the earth we may be seeking the glory of man. In the gospels of Mathew and Luke we find Jesus many a time criticizing the Pharisees and the scribes for their quest for human approval and glory. In the gospel of John we read, “A person who speaks on his authority is trying to gain glory for himself. But he who wants glory for the one who sent him is honest, and there is nothing false in him.” (Jn 7:18)

It doesn’t mean that John the Baptist was after the human glory rather Jesus reminds us that we have to lead a life in view of eternity. “He who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly matters, but he who comes from heaven is above all.” (Jn 3:31) We are called to set our minds according to the norms of heaven. That is why Jesus prayed to the father that ‘his disciples are not of the world, but they are in the world.’ (Jn 17:16)

Therefore, it compels us to think seriously about our proclamation and ministry in and around us. Whether we are doing it for the glory or approval of man or not? All our actions here on earth make us worthy or unworthy of entering the Kingdom of God. Let us therefore, try to lead a fruitful and Spirit filled Christian life. 

      

 Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Teach us, O Lord, how to be a servant in our ministries and states of life. Help us not to be discouraged even when we are the last ones in this world for “even the Son of Man did not come to be served; he came to serve and to give his life to redeem many people.” (Mk 10:45). We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

 Greetings: God is with you! Have a nice and blissful Thursday…