Third Sunday of Advent – Cycle A
Reflecting on Matthew 11: 2-11
Can you imagine? Jesus said there was no one greater than John the Baptist, and yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Oh, take us to your kingdom, Jesus!
What will the kingdom of heaven be like? I think we have glimmers. Can you remember those magical Christmases of your youth? I can. The tinsel, those beautiful, bubbly lights on the tree, singing carols by candlelight. So many memories.
And, oh, the reunions! Our beloved dead will be radiantly alive, strong, and young again. There will be so much joy and laughter that we’ll wonder how heaven can hold it all. Every hard thing will be forgotten, and forgiven. This is what the kingdom of heaven will be like. Seriously. Imagine it.
There will be no death there. No illness. Everyone we knew and loved will be young again, healthy again, delighting in play with those with whom they may have been estranged in this life.
And about that. There will be rapturous homecomings with those who distanced themselves from us. There will be joyous tears, and healing conversations about the reasons for the estrangement. Everyone will listen to the other, without defensiveness or anger. And we will feel our hearts break with compassion for those who stayed away, as we realize, maybe for the first time, the pain they experienced in all those long years of isolation.
All your favorite saints are waiting to greet you. All the mysteries that confounded you in life will be unraveled and revealed. Those who were unhoused in this life will open their warm homes to you. Soon, and very soon, we are going to see the King.
What is your greatest longing for the kingdom of heaven?
Kathy McGovern ©2025