Matthew 11:2-11 (NRSV)
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Verse 2When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples Verse 3and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" Verse 4Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: Verse 5the 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. Verse 6And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me."
Verse 7As 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? Verse 8What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. Verse 9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. Verse 10This is the one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' Verse 11Truly 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.
Devotion
For the Advent season we are looking back and reflecting on the previous week's readings.
What characterizes our hope? Our waiting and hope is twofold. It is long-term and it is immediate! Waiting for the child in a manger is waiting for the homeless one, waiting for the one who is poor and oppressed. But such a waiting cannot remain inactive! Waiting means giving a home, sharing resources, freeing from oppression. Look, Jesus tells the disciples of John the Baptist, "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." Good news is immediate and very specific. Good news engages us here and now. But it is also long-term. Our hope is defined by God, who will make all things whole, who alone will bring all things to fulfillment. God does this on God’s own time. Our joy in believing, in hoping, in waiting is knowing that we are part of God's plan.
Prayer
Happy are they whose hope is in the Lord. Enkindle in us, O God, that deep down joy that sustains and nourishes us in this journey. Amen.