My Messenger

Third Sunday of Advent (A)

Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family

Matthew 11:2-11 – 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.”

(Parent)  Reread this part a few times aloud

 “When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with a question.”

(Parent)  Read this meditation aloud to the family

As Jesus’ ministry rapidly increases, John the Baptist’s ministry rapidly decreases.  Soon John is arrested by Herod the Tetrarch and put into prison (the last place John will be before he is killed).  In his prison, John reflects on Jesus, and reflects on his own ministry.  Perhaps as John’s final spiritual cleansing, God allows John to experience what appear to be doubts.  Perhaps, though, John is not doubting at all, but is just admitting that he had expected Christ’s coming to look differently.  Regardless of what John is feeling, he shows faith in Jesus, whom he loves, by not relying on his own thoughts, but by relying upon Jesus to answer his question.

In Jesus’ answer to John’s question, Jesus pays great tribute to John.  Jesus is not upset by the question because Jesus knows John’s heart; and Jesus loves John.  Jesus does not expect John to understand everything about Him—even His own Mother doesn’t understand everything at first.  But John the Baptist and Mary the Mother of Jesus do understand that they cannot understand everything.  So they don’t rely on their own limited understanding; they rely on something greater—on their faith.  Jesus doesn’t expect our total understanding either; only our faith.  If we are experiencing any questions and struggles about God in our own lives, let’s not hide them from Jesus… or ourselves!  Right now in prayer, let’s offer these struggles to Jesus as little broken gifts.  He can take even these and make them good.

As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)