Thursday of the Second Week of Advent
Right in the middle of today’s gospel passage is one of the most puzzling statements that Jesus ever makes. Jesus says, “From the days of John the Baptist, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence and the violent are taking it by force.” It is possible that Jesus is referring to the opposition that both he and John the Baptist experienced. After all, they both end up being put to death for what they are doing. However, in this case, the violent ones don’t take the Kingdom; in fact, the Kingdom eludes them while paving the way for the victory of the Kingdom in Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. So, this opposition may provide a context for what Jesus is saying but can’t be the whole story.
But if we notice that Jesus speaks of John the Baptist both before and after that particular statement, another idea comes to mind. Because the ministries of both John the Baptist and Jesus stir up much excitement and activity, drawing large crowds to both men. For Jesus in particular, there are times in the gospels where he tries to get away with his disciples for some rest, but the crowds follow them, and they are unable to rest. At times, they don’t even have time to eat. So it may be that Jesus is referring to this, because at times it must have seemed like they were being besieged. What we see in these crowds clamoring to hear John the Baptist first and then Jesus, is people’s hunger for the truth. And they received truth from Jesus even though it must have been overwhelming for him and the disciples at times.
Reflection by Fr. Aquinas Keusenkothen, OSB
Posted in Articles for Advent, Daily Reflections