Daily Readings - Sun Dec 11 2022
Matthew
2When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples3to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"4Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see:5The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.6Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."7As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind?8If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces.9Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.10This is the one about whom it is written: "'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'11I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Sermon
In today's Gospel, we encounter a poignant moment where John the Baptist, imprisoned and uncertain, sends his disciples to inquire if Jesus is the Messiah they await. Jesus responds by highlighting the miracles He performs, affirming His divine mission. He then praises John as more than a prophet, yet humbly notes that even the least in the kingdom of heaven surpasses John. This passage invites us to reflect on doubt, faith, and our place in God's plan.
John's question to Jesus reveals a human moment of doubt, a feeling we all experience. Yet, Jesus' response is not one of rebuke but of reassurance, pointing to the signs of His ministry as evidence of His identity. This teaches us that in our times of uncertainty, we can find comfort in the signs of God's presence around us. John, though great, remained humble, recognizing his role as a precursor to Christ, reminding us to trust in God's larger plan.
In our daily lives, we face moments of doubt, but like John, we can find strength in faith. Jesus' miracles remind us to look for God's work in our world. The moral lesson here is one of trust and humility—trusting in God's plan even when uncertain and recognizing our place within His grand narrative. Let us embrace our roles with humility, trusting that even the smallest among us can be great in God's eyes.