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When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’ As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then 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, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” 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." (Matthew 11:2-11)
Advent is a time to reinforce our faith in Jesus Christ. Each sermon, thought, study, talk, etc. related to Advent should remind us why we needed Jesus in the first place; why we need Him now, and why we need Him to come back for us. Times of struggle and testing are those times doubt becomes a close friend, and quite frankly doubt is healthy if it leads us back to Jesus in a stronger way. Such was the case with John the Baptist. He served God and did all that God expected of him and yet, when found in a prison cell awaiting certain death, he wondered, "Is Jesus really who we think He is?" and has his disciples to ask Jesus. Jesus responds with what we need to hear as well: Jesus came to fulfill God's word. He helped the blind to see, as scripture had foretold, the lame could walk, again a fulfillment of scripture; the lepers were made clean, deaf could hear, the dead raised from the dead, and good news shared with the poor; uh, yes, this is the One! Jesus did not judge John for this time of weakness, nor will He judge us, for He understands all things even things we do not understand and His mercy far exceeds any comprehension of what we could possibly have, sinners that we are.
I highly recommend the movie "The Letters" about Mother Theresa of Calcutta, for it deals honestly with her life and work, and how she came to have great doubt towards the end of her life about whether she had done the right thing. It's easier for outside parties to tell us about our work, for we are harsh judges of ourselves. We struggle to forgive ourselves and to accept the grace and forgiveness Christ gives to us. The message is to keep on keeping on, a 60s expression that sums up our need to continue forward with our work and faith. Those times of doubt and sad reflection should pale to what we need Jesus will tell us one day: "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Is Jesus the One? You decide.
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for Jesus and His work and word. Bless us with strength of faith and character as we seek to continue to be His servants in a world that could care less. Make us care more and lift our spirits when we think we can care no longer. This we need and pray in the name of Jesus our Lord, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
