The Kingdom of God suffers violence

The Kingdom of God suffers violence

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Ish 41:13-20, Mt. 11:11-15. What Jesus says about John in today's Gospel, is intended not only to praise him, but for the benefit of the people in order to revive the memory of John’s ministry, which had been well attended, but was at verge of being forgotten. He reminded them of John’s merits. John had preached in the desert, and despite the inconvenient location, the people flocked in crowds to hear him. If his preaching was worth taking such trouble to hear it, surely it was worth taking some care to recollect it. Jesus puts it to them, “What did ye go out to see?” He notes how John was a firm, resolute man, not a reed shaken with the wind, who would bow to pressure. Jesus remarks: "from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence and men of violence take it by force". This is to say that, since the creation of the world, the human race suffers violence from the forces of evil with its inclination towards evil, constant struggle to overcome this violence is necessary.

We remember John today because he was not wavering in his principles but was remarkable for his steadiness in face of Herod’s rage. John was an ascetical, self-denying man, who cared little for wealth or luxury. Was he a man clothed in soft garments? If so, the crowds would not have gone out into the desert to see him, but gone to the royal court to admire the latest fashions. What they wanted to see was a man clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt about his loins, living a lifestyle in tune with his desert environment. The stark doctrine he preached there was about the need for repentance. A genuine preacher must not look like a fashionable celebrity, but one with unwavering faith. John’s appearance was simple, but his message had vigour and that is why people flocked to hear him.

May the Lord grant us the courage to be heroes of our faith, keep up with the struggle to combat the sources of evil by living a life based on charity, improve in our characters by making real effort to be friendly, considerate to people around us and taking appropriate steps not to allow stagnation in our spiritual life! Amen!! Good morning and peace be with you!!!

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