Matthew 11:2-11 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 11:2-11 on biblegateway.com
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.
God relates to the world through mercy. This mercy is liberating. It frees us from all those moments when we condemn ourselves, when we allow the pressures and stresses of life to define who we are. God's mercy enables us to see the many powers and influences and values in this world that dictate and control us. We can let go because God's mercy is forever, God's mercy dismantles and undoes all that binds us. God's mercy is called good news. In these long days of waiting and worries and stress and work, filled with multiple demands on our time, let us take a moment and stop. Let's catch our breath. God's mercy prepares a way for us. It is not like any path we've traveled on: God's mercy opens all our inner prisons and touches them with love. It holds us and brings us to a light in the middle of the night. Our own night cannot this light subdue (see verse 5 of Savior of the Nations, Come).
Prayer
O God, take our darkness and through your mercy turn it into light. Amen.