Gospel – Matthew 11:2-11
Third Sunday of Advent

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 on Sunday Gospel

Let us remember we are in the holy presence of God…

Rejoice!  Applaud!  Celebrate!  The Lord comes!  This week’s liturgy emphasizes the immediate joyful expectation which precedes Christmas and ushers us into the Church’s new year. John the Baptist is Advent personified.  “Are you the one who is to come…?”   Jesus has come in the flesh, is coming everyday in the Spirit, in Word and in Eucharist and will come in glory on the last day.

Jesus is faith, word, sacrament, community.  Our present experience of him is only a foreshadowing of what we will experience of him in the fullness of glory. To share in the indescribable joy of the future, we need only say “Yes” to God now when he calls us.  He calls us in the wants and needs, sorrows and joys of our families, friends, neighbors, and yall other people.

Our future is in the hands of God, who loves us so much that he sent his Son to give his life for us.  There is no reason to be anxious or fearful.  This joyful expectation penetrates our lives and fills us with hope and courage.  Reach out to others and spread the good news.  Be joyful!  Be Advent!

St. John Baptist de La Salle … Pray for Us!
Live Jesus in our Hearts … Forever!

Ms. Lorraine D’Agostino