From Prison to Freedom

Third Sunday of Advent

Now when John had heard in prison the works of Christ: sending two of his disciples he said to him: Art thou he that art to come, or look we for another? And Jesus making answer said to them: Go and relate to John what you have heard and seen. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead rise again, the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he that shall not be scandalized in me. And when they went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: What went you out into the desert to see? a reed shaken with the wind? But what went you out to see? a man clothed in soft garments? Behold they that are clothed in soft garments, are in the houses of kings. But what went you out to see? a prophet? yea I tell you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: Behold I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee. Amen I say to you, there hath not risen among them that are born of women a greater than John the Baptist: yet he that is the lesser in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Matthew 11:2-11 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father what question can I ask that hasn't already been answered. You revealed the answers with my life and through my faith in you. John the Baptist asked a question of your Son even though he baptized him before. The question more or less was to reinforce his faith before the conclusion of his life. He became less so Jesus could become great. You gave us a man who showed us the way to You and your Son through the baptism of water. He lamented our fate and preached repentance. It is through these gifts of faith that we are born and where we die to sin. Why is it always so hard for us to go to another in the sacrament of Penance and receive the healing of Jesus' love. John gave us a way to you in this very way, repentance and Jesus gives us the greatest treasure of all that of Love. May we find the sacrament of Penance as a way of rebirth in our faith and come to love you with open hearts that are made whole in faith. Amen