Thursday, December 11 – “The Kingdom of Heaven Has Come Near”

Scripture

“Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John

the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Matthew 11:11–15

Reflection

John the Baptist stands at the hinge of salvation history, the last prophet of the old

covenant and the first herald of the new. Jesus honors his greatness, yet reveals something

astonishing: the least in the kingdom is greater still. Why? Because through Christ, divine

life is now shared with humanity. Grace makes us participants in what John only foresaw.

This is the wonder of Advent: that we, frail and ordinary, are invited into the very

life of God. The kingdom has drawn near, not as an earthly dominion, but as God’s reign

in the human heart.

As members of the EOHSJ, this nearness of the kingdom transforms service into

witness. Each act of charity, each prayer for peace, each moment of fidelity is a way the

kingdom draws closer. The greatness of the Christian lies not in earthly honor but in sharing

the humility of Christ.

John’s voice still calls us to repentance, but also to joy. The One for whom he

prepared the way now lives within us.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, may Your kingdom come in my heart and through my life. Make me

small enough to be great in Your eyes, and faithful enough to prepare Your way in the

world. Amen.

Meditation Question

Where do I see signs of God’s kingdom drawing near, in my heart, my community,

or the world?