Third Sunday of Advent

Achieving Greatness

“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

Imagine having these words, spoken by our Lord, being spoken about you. But, in fact, they are! You are among the “least in the kingdom of heaven” when you share in the grace of Christ and remain a member of His glorious Kingdom. And for that reason, your true greatness must be understood and rejoiced in.

At the time that John lived, the gates of Heaven had not yet been opened to fallen humanity. Jesus had not yet died, risen and ascended into Heaven so as to then pour forth the Holy Spirit upon the Church, inviting us to share in His glorious Kingdom. But today, we are blessed to be invited not only to Heaven when we die in a state of grace, we are also invited to share in the glories of the Kingdom of Heaven here and now, as we journey through life.

One clear message that our Lord is speaking in the line above is that those who are now enjoying the fullness of Heaven, seeing God face-to-face, are great indeed. But another clear message from our Lord is that this greatness can begin to be lived now, as we journey through life.

Too often we take up our identity in many meaningless things. We seek “greatness” through our personal and selfish achievements, our abilities, looks, financial status, and the like. But none of these things makes us truly great. Greatness is found solely in being a member of the Body of Christ, the Church, and thus being a member of God’s Kingdom.

Today we are given the shining example of Saint John the Baptist. And as we ponder his life, we must also ponder his preaching. The central messages of his preaching were twofold. First, he called everyone to repentance for their sins. This message must ring true in our lives today just as it did in the days of John’s preaching. But his second primary message was to point us to Christ. Jesus was the exclusive purpose of St. John’s life, and his preaching concluded by pointing his followers to our Lord.

My glorious King, You sent to us Saint John the Baptist to preach repentance and to call us to Yourself. Open my mind and heart, dear Lord, to the message John spoke and help me to more fully heed his words so as to share in the greatness of life to which I am called. Jesus, I trust in You