Who He is and whose we are! That’s what the Gospel is about today. That’s how my religious education lesson planning material summarized it. Perfect, simple and powerful!
matthew 11:2-11
When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to him 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. The 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.”
darkness and doubt
I read commentaries and reflections on this Gospel. Some suggested that John sent his disciples to Jesus, quite possibly, to have them transition from his disciples to disciples of Jesus. It seems to suggest that there was a method to John’s “madness.”
I guess it’s best to think that someone as great as John the Baptist didn’t actually doubt Jesus’ divinity. However, I was initially confused by John’s question. After all, he WAS the one who “went before theLord to prepare His way.”
When I read it again, I thought of John in prison. I pondered what it must have been like for him: a man accustomed to pure freedom. Freedom from attachment, freedom in faith and freedom to travel the land witnessing and baptizing.
Think for a moment: John cannot practice his faith. He can no longer travel, no longer witness and baptize. Imagine how you would feel if you were in the same position.
Could John be responding to his circumstance? He is emotionally, spiritually and physically shut down. He’s experiencing a dark night of the soul. I think he’s seriously doubting!
Things have not turned out the way he expected and certainly not as he wanted. Can we relate? I believe we can: unfulfilled expectations, difficult circumstances, negative response.
who he is and whose we are
Jesus responds to John’s doubt with words that he would recognize as those of the prophet Isaiah. He reveals who he is and, at the same time, whose were are!
Imagine how much Jesus loves us and how gracious He is to us. He tells the crowds that the LEAST in the kingdom of heaven is GREATER than John the Baptist! Aren’t we the lucky ones!
take comfort
How often do you experience a dark night of the soul? Have you ever experienced a sense of doubt in the existence of something greater than you? Are there times you lack trust in God or fail to pray as you should? Do you ever feel distant?
I think we can take comfort in the fact that we’re in good company. John the Baptist was the “greatest among those born of women” and even he doubted.
intercessors
Think about this: John the Baptist sent his disciples to Jesus. Why? Maybe it was his way of asking for intercessory prayer in order to come out of the “darkness.” So don’t be so hard on yourself when you experience a dark night of the soul. We too should ask for prayer.
Who are the “disciples” in our lives? They’re our brothers and sisters in Christ. Those people we can depend on to intercede for us, when we can’t see a way out of our own imprisonment.
REJOICE this Gaudete Sunday! Jesus is the Messiah and we are children of the Most High!
God bless you!
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