12/11/2025 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 11:11-15

Jesus said to the crowds:
11 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.
12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force.
13 All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John.
14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come.
15 He who has ears, let him hear.

12/11/2025 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Matthew 11:11-15

The Gospel reading above is a brief but powerful passage where Jesus speaks about John the Baptist and the coming of God’s Kingdom. To appreciate its message, it helps to understand the context. At this point in Matthew’s Gospel, John is imprisoned for courageously calling people to repentance and confronting the moral failures of leaders. While in prison, he sends messengers to Jesus to confirm if He truly is the Messiah. Jesus responds by affirming His works including healing, restoring, and proclaiming good news. Then He turns to the crowd to speak about John. He describes John as more than a prophet, the “messenger” foretold to prepare the way. Jesus then declares that “the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence,” and only the courageous and determined “take hold of it.” Finally, He ends with the familiar invitation: “He who has ears, let him hear,” urging His listeners to respond with openness and faith.

This passage reminds us that God’s movements in our lives will demand courage, clarity of purpose, and steadfastness. These are the qualities embodied by John the Baptist. John did not live a comfortable or safe life. He lived with conviction. He spoke truth even when it cost him his freedom. He knew his mission and embraced it fully. Jesus honors him for this, saying that among all those born of women, none has arisen greater than John. Yet, astonishingly, Jesus adds that even “the least” in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than him, meaning that the grace made available through Christ opens doors to spiritual transformation far beyond anything previously known.

In modern life, we also face moments when following God’s call feels risky or difficult. Standing for truth, choosing integrity, or turning away from destructive habits can feel like “violence”, a struggle within ourselves or against the pressures around us. The passage teaches that God’s Kingdom is not entered by passivity. It requires an intentional, determined heart that leaps toward grace, that grabs hold of God’s promises, that refuses to settle for less than the fullness of life He offers.

Consider a person who decides to leave an unhealthy addiction, or someone who chooses honesty over convenience even when it might cost them a promotion. Think of a student who refuses to join in bullying, or a parent who fights daily battles to raise their children with faith and compassion. These are modern echoes of taking hold of the Kingdom with courage. God sees the struggle. He honors every act of faithfulness.

John’s story also teaches us that doubt is not a sign of failure. Even John asked questions while in prison. Jesus did not rebuke him; instead, He affirmed him. Likewise, when we experience uncertainty, God invites us to bring our questions to Him. He responds not with condemnation but with reassurance.

In the end, the Gospel narrative calls us to courage, conviction, and attentiveness. God is moving. His Kingdom is near. But we must choose to listen, to act, and to step forward with faith even when it costs us something. For those who dare to “hear,” a deeper life awaits.

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