Matthew 11:2-11
2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” 4 Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 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. 6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”
7 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? 8 What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 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.’ 11 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.
Between Doubt and Certitude
It is worthy to take a few minutes to concentrate and reflect on this Gospel passage this third Sunday of Advent.
John the Baptist is described by Jesus as the greatest among those born of women in v. 11, and not a “reed swayed by the wind" in v. 7.
John started his ministry preaching about an almighty Messiah coming to uproot evil and restore justice and righteousness on earth. "His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire" Luke 3:17.
While unjustly imprisoned, John questions his own preaching and strong personal convictions about the Messiah. Is Jesus the expected one whom he asked his own disciples to follow? “Are you the One who is to come, or shall we wait for another?” v. 3.
In prison and in distress, John expects "his" Messiah to intervene immediately, uproot evil and set him free. John feels neglected and even abandoned and forsaken by the Almighty that he was preaching about. Doubt is threatening his faith and his faithfulness.
John’s trust might be swayed by a strong wind, but not uprooted. He asks the same Messiah whom he baptized if He is the One. John sends his messengers to Him, not to others, to investigate and bring him a report—no body but Jesus. He is the only One who can respond to John's doubt.
Today, let us examine or own moments of distress and despair as we face hard situations and doubt God's Presence and care in our lives. To whom do we go? Aren't we experiencing what John underwent, feeling torn between doubt and certitude?
May we learn from John to go to Jesus and to keep a link with Him, trusting that He knows what is best for us. He is always on our side! He will never forsake us, even when we think that He is not there.
Jesus responded to John with the healing acts that He was and is still performing. His words echo His presence as He says to John's messengers, “Blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me" in v. 6. We read in the Peshitta Syriac version of the Gospel, “Blessed is anyone who has no doubt in me."
Another Advent candle inflames our fervor to welcome the Lord's nativity. Happy are those who keep going to Jesus in times of certitude and in times of doubt to ask for and to receive with thanksgiving!