Introduction: Be Joyful. Prepare the Way

This Sunday – the third Sunday of Advent – is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday (from the Latin word gaudete meaning rejoice). This Sunday is so named because “Rejoice” is the first word in the entrance antiphon taken from Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near!” This Sunday is a joyful reminder that the Lord is coming and is near. 

What gives you joy in your journey of faith?

This Sunday’s reading from Matthew continues our Advent reflection on the person and message of John the Baptist – that highlights the signs of the Kingdom found in Jesus’ ministry and Jesus’ assessment of John’s role in this birthing Kingdom.

Do you see signs of God’s Kingdom in our midst?

Today’s passage opens with John’s query from prison about Jesus’ identity. “Are you the one who is to come or are we to wait for another?” You can really sense -  perhaps in the darkness of his cell – John’s uncertainty about Jesus’ identity.

Identify a time when you questioned your faith during a period of darkness. What happened?

Jesus responds not with a lengthy teaching or document but with signs of his public ministry: “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.” 

In response, Jesus both emphasizes that this in-coming Kingdom is not military or political - as was expected in the messianic teachings of his day - and also invites John and the other hearers (and us!) to make our own determination who this Jesus is. 

Who is this Jesus for you?

This Gospel passage shifts and concludes with Jesus’ praiseworthy estimation of John: “No one has arisen greater than John the Baptist…” John has fulfilled his task: He has prepared the way of Jesus.

I would invite you to read and ponder the words from the Gospel of Matthew 11:2-11.

What word or words caught your attention?
What in this passage comforted/challenged you?

Further Questions and Reflections:

There is real comfort in this story. John the Baptist, the powerful, the austere man who held such a sway among the Jews, still had moments of darkness. Imprisoned in Herod’s dungeon, he wondered: “Am I a fool? Is this all there is? Was I wrong about Jesus?” Have you ever felt like this?

It seems that Jesus’ program is not quite what John  expected! God’s ways are not our ways. God is not predictable but seems to live easily with change. 

When has Jesus really surprised you with His way?

“Go and tell what you hear and see.” 

What do you hear? See? What will you tell?

Deacon David

Deacon David Suley
St. Andrew Apostle Catholic Church
Silver Spring, Maryland

Published with Permission

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