“THE KINGDOM OF GOD SUFFERS VIOLENCE”
ISAIAH 41:13-20; PSALM 144; MATTHEW 11:11-15
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matt. 11:12). This is a straight-forward verse, but it comes as a puzzle. How can God’s kingdom suffer, and what are violent people doing with it?
Matthew 11:12 highlights the significance of John the Baptist and presents a graphic picture of the enthusiasm and excitement generated by his teaching. So, when John says, “The kingdom of God suffers violence,” it shows that the people were hungry for the truth and would not be kept away. They were like an army trying to besiege a city.
The statement “The violent take it by force” speaks of the people entering the kingdom with all eagerness, enthusiasm, and zest. It captures their overwhelming disposition, as if they were attacking a city and beating down the doors to enter.
God’s prophets had predicted the Messiah’s coming, and now that the Messiah has come, nothing could hold back the overflow of people pressing into the kingdom. Beloved,these people approach repentance and the Kingdom of God with so much passion, enthusiasm, humility, openness, and excitement. Let us share their passion. St. John of the Cross, whose memorial we celebrate today, reminds us that at the end of life, we shall be judged.
In the first reading, God gives His people assurances of consolation, power, and provision. He comforts them, telling them not to worry because He will support, encourage, and fortify them. It also highlights God’s ability to transform desolate situations into flourishing ones, illustrating this with the metaphor of converting barren land into springs of water and providing for their needs. No condition is permanent; don’t give up; trust in God for breakthrough.
Let us pray
Almighty God, who commands us to prepare the way for Christ the Lord, grant in your kindness, we pray, that no infirmity may weary us as we long for the comforting presence of our heavenly physician. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever? Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
