WEEKLY REFLECTION

Now after John the Baptist was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of God, and saying: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent, and believe in the gospel’" (Mk 1:14-15). "To carry out the will of the Father Christ inaugurated the kingdom of heaven on earth." Now the Father's will is ‘to raise up men to share in his own divine life’. He does this by gathering men around his Son Jesus Christ. Jesus declared that there was no one greater than John the Baptist. “Truly I tell you, among those born of women has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” Matthew 11:11

This seems an odd statement, particularly because Jesus was a man himself. Some scholars believe Jesus was honoring John the Baptist by offering a kind compliment. Others say Jesus was referring to John’s unique position and assignment in history, or referencing the fact that John was anointed to preach with the power of Elijah.

John the Baptist teaches us to seriously consider our mission on earth: to be tenacious Christians knowing how to behave as sons of God. We should be asking us: How did Mary and Joseph prepare themselves for Jesus Christ's birth? How did John prepare Jesus' teachings? How do we prepare ourselves to commemorate it and for the second advent of our Lord at the end of time?

As Cyril of Jerusalem said: “We preach not one advent only of Christ, but a second also, far more glorious than the former. For the former gave a view of His patience; but the latter brings with it the crown of a Divine Kingdom.”