Dec 15 2019 Reflection

Sunday 15 December 2019

First Reading: IS 35:1-6A, 10
Responsorial Psalm:
Lord, come and save us.
PS 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10
Second Reading: JAS 5:7-10
Gospel Reading: MT 11:2-11

Today’s Note: Third Sunday of Advent

Gospel Reading:

When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, 
he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, 
“Are you the one who is to come,
or should we look for another?”
Jesus said to them in reply, 
“Go and tell John what you hear and see: 
the blind regain their sight, 
the lame walk,
lepers are cleansed, 
the deaf hear,
the dead are raised,
and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.
And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

As they were going off,
Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, 
“What did you go out to the desert to see?
A reed swayed by the wind?
Then what did you go out to see?
Someone dressed in fine clothing?
Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.
Then why did you go out?  To see a prophet?
Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
This is the one about whom it is written:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
he will prepare your way before you.
Amen, I say to you,
among those born of women 
there has been none greater than John the Baptist; 
yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Reflection:

Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another? (Matthew 11:3)

What a strange question, especially from John the Baptist. Not only was John Jesus’ kinsman, but he had baptized Jesus and seen the Spirit descend upon him. But now that he is in prison and awaiting execution, John seems uncertain. Was he wearied by suffering? Did he need reassurance that he had not labored in vain? Or had he heard rumors of plots to kill Jesus and couldn’t conceive that God’s Messiah would suffer death? We just don’t know. 

But perhaps John wasn’t uncertain at all. Maybe it was all part of the plan. What if John was doing exactly what he had always done: helping people recognize the Messiah? Maybe his question wasn’t for himself but for his disciples—to help them believe in Jesus. 

John’s time was short. Concerned for his followers, he wouldn’t want them to fall away once he died. His mission had always been to lead people to Jesus, and he was determined to be faithful to that mission right up to the very end. So it makes sense that before he died, John would want his disciples to know for themselves that Jesus was the Messiah. It makes sense that meeting Jesus would persuade them far more than John’s words. 

John’s question resonates in our hearts too. Is Jesus really who he says he is? Can we find joy in him no matter what? Of course, we already have faith in Jesus, but don’t we all need more? So John sends us to Jesus, along with his disciples, so that we can hear and see him. 

Today is Gaudete Sunday, a day to rejoice that the Messiah is near. So when you see Jesus on the cross in your church, when you hear him in his word and receive him in Communion, echo John’s question: “Are you the one my heart is searching for?” Try to quiet your heart, and listen for his answer. Let him convince you of his love and his grace. And then rejoice with him.

“Lord, I believe you are the Son of God.”