We all run to reach our ultimate destination called heaven, where eternal life awaits us. It has been our Lord’s greatest promise. ‘Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day’ (Jn 6:54). Jesus has also promised that those who get qualified for this beautiful life in heaven will be like angels. ‘For when people rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven’ (Mk 12:25).
Then is heaven a socialist paradise, where all are equal, or are there ‘some who are more ‘equal than others?’ Jesus once said something very interesting. Before going to it, let us make it clear in our mind that a certain benchmark is fixed for anyone to enter heaven. Basically it is a life believing in Jesus Christs and obeying the commandments. But it is only a minimum qualification. It means we will be ‘ordinary citizens’ in heaven!
Jesus has given us someone for comparison saying that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than this person. He is none other than John the Baptist whom Jesus once commended as the greatest among those born of women! ‘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’ (Mt 11:11).
Who was this John the Baptist? A Prophet? No! He was ‘more than a prophet’ ( Lk 7:26), said the Lord. He was not a reed shaken by the wind, nor someone dressed in soft robes (Lk 7:24). He used coarse clothing, lived on wild honey and locusts, and stayed in the wilderness. He was humble to the core and gave all glory to God. He admitted his unworthiness to even untie the thong of Jesus’ sandals. He stood by the truth and was never afraid to proclaim it even before the king. He was imprisoned for telling the truth and beheaded for criticizing the king and his consort.
Isn’t it strange that Jesus rates such a great man below the least in the kingdom of heaven? But it is the truth. No doubt, living like John the Baptist will surely lead us to heaven. But are we anywhere near this benchmark? An introspection will help us to grow in simplicity, humility, and truth all in an undeterred spirit of martyrdom. It will be a tragedy if we fail to achieve the minimum qualification within the prescribed time limit. May the Holy Spirit help us to stay resolute in faith like the Baptist.
