Gospel Reflection Dec 14 – Deacon Paul Zemanek
Sunday, December 14
Third Sunday of Advent
Matthew 11: 2-11
Gospel:
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.”
Gospel Reflection:
In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew, we find John the Baptist in prison. The reason John is in prison is because he preached against King Herod Antipas about taking his brother’s wife Herodias as his own wife.
John was hearing about the works of Jesus, and he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” In other words, John was wanting to know if Jesus was indeed the Messiah. Jesus lists off a number of works that the prophet Isaiah had said would be done by the Messiah some 700 years before the birth of Jesus. That the Messiah would do miraculous things — give sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, speech to the dumb, and the ability for the lame to walk. In addition, the Messiah would also do away with death. For these were the very works that Jesus was doing, and they would be recognized by John as works the Messiah was to do — works that only the Messiah could do.
And so, friends, what might be the “prison cell” of your life this Advent Season? Is it perhaps a “prison cell” that includes selfishness…maybe not being able to forgive others – family members or friends…maybe it’s gossiping or demeaning others…not caring for those in need? Is it perhaps an addiction to pornography, lust, drug or alcohol abuse, materialism? No matter what it might be, what is the “key” that we can depend on to be released from these “prison cells” of our lives? The key that can help us all open our prison cells and help us to be released from the obstacles to our freedom is by considering the Sacrament of Reconciliation this Advent Season. It is the very best way for us to receive forgiveness for our sins and to prepare ourselves for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.
As we celebrate this Third Sunday of Advent — Gaudete Sunday, which means “rejoice,” let us be reminded that our salvation is very near!
Deacon Paul Zemanek