STAY ON TRACK

DAY 71 OF 365 IN 2021

Mark 12:34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Proximity simply refers to nearness or closeness to something. Thus, many modern vehicles come equipped with proximity sensors and alarms to alert drivers of objects in their immediate surroundings. So from our Gospel text today, Jesus was telling the scribe who asked about what commandment was the greatest that ‘your proximity sensors suggest you are close to encountering the kingdom of God’.

However, while these words of Jesus are complementary, we ought to consider them in their entirety, not just as a commendation, but also the hint of warning it contains. ‘You are not far’ still meant there was some way to go. In other words, you may not have arrived yet, but with this attitude and disposition of heart, you are on track towards encountering the Kingdom of God.

Beloved, the journey towards God is beset with many situations that can appear to widen the distance between the seeker, man and the God who is sought. Many moments can
interrupt our journey towards better proximity. So let’s be watchful and not get complacent. ‘Just because we are not far, doesn’t mean we have arrived yet. There is still some way to go.

#sly