Gaudete Sunday, Third Sunday in Advent, 11 December, 2022

Gospel Mt 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."

Reflection:

Today is  Gaudete  Sunday.  Pointing to Jesus, John had declared  to his disciples that Jesus indeed was the Lamb of God.  As time went by John wasn’t sure. Jesus’ methods seemed to be drastically different  from  his own . John was all about fire and fury . Jesus seemed to be a melting  heart . John wanted  to cut the barren trees. Jesus was too willing to give them another chance. Is he truly the one? Jesus invites John to look at the fruit of his ministry: the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are clean again, the deaf hear. The dead come alive. The definitive sign of the coming of the Messiah and the kingdom is the wholesome joy that comes to the life of the people. By their fruits you will know them, said Jesus .