December 14 2023: Bible Verse of the Day – Thursday of the Second Week of Advent – The Least in the Kingdom of Heaven is Greater than John the Baptist – Matthew 11:11-15
Jesus said, “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.” – Matthew 11:11-15
Catholic Readings For Today
Thursday of the Second Week of Advent
Today’s Bible Verse of the Day Reflections
As we reflected upon St. John the Baptist this past Sunday, so also we are given his witness in today’s Gospel. John was great first and foremost because of his humility.
But Jesus also makes it clear that John’s greatness as the greatest of the Old Testament Prophets is nothing in comparison with being a member of the Kingdom of Heaven!
Heaven must be our goal. It must be the purpose of our life. What good is it if we obtain much greatness in this world and fail to make it to Heaven?
Interestingly, Jesus does not put down St. John in this statement since “Saint” John the Baptist is in Heaven.
Instead, He points to the fact that John was not only great because of his humility and all he did in this life, but he was even greater because he is now enjoying the rewards of eternal life in Heaven.
Too often we measure our lives from a worldly point of view. We look for greatness here and now and fail to recognize that eternity is what matters most.
Think about it. What will you rejoice in for all eternity? Will you rejoice in the fact that you accomplished this or that in this world? That you made lots of money? That you were praised by many in this world? No, from Heaven none of this will matter. What will matter is one thing: charity.
The charity we live here and now will radiate from our lives forever in Heaven. Even if our charity is not seen by others, it will be seen in Heaven. Charity is the result of a life lived fully surrendered to Christ.
Reflect, today, upon the ultimate goal of getting to Heaven and look at the fact that daily acts of charity are the road to this goal. Is this your focus in life? If not, look at your priorities and recommit yourself to this eternal calling.
Prayer: Lord, I desire to be with You forever in Heaven. Help me to keep eternity as my ultimate focus in life. Help me to build a glorious life in Heaven through the charity I live now. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.
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