Matt 11: 11-15
The Violent Are forcefully Advancing
11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence,[a] and violent people have been raiding it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear.
These short verses pique our spirit, especially the reference to violence. God knows we are living in a violent age: headlines, TV and radio news broadcasts abound in the latest acts of destructive activity. I this what Jesus was proposing? More likely, he meant that we should not be afraid to live our faith, and stand firm against those who try to destroy it (or raid it). It's up to us to keep it and move it forward as did John the Baptist and the legions that have followed his lead. We must meet violence with strength, the strength that comes from a firm faith and foundation in Jesus. We know from history that suffering has always been part of discipleship. Who are we to be different? Complete bliss is not our lot while were are sojourners on this planet, but will come as a reward for bearing our share of suffering and violence. Let us pray that we are not the occasion of causing others to suffer.
Bro, Rene
Note: Today is also the first time the Church celebrates the Memorial of Our Lady of Loreto. Legend has it that part of Mary's Nazareth home was transported to Loreto, Italy during the 13th century to protect it from the Muslims. Whether it was transported by angels, as the legend goes, to several locations before landing in Loreto, it not certain, but the stones of its walls are indigenous to Israel, not Italy. Popes have prayed and offered Mass there, and Pope Francis put this day on the Liturgical Calendar.
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