Matthew 11:2-11
2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” 4 Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 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. 6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”
7 As 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? 8 What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ 11 Truly 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.
Faith through Sufferings and Doubt
Last week, we saw how John the Baptist introduces Jesus to us as the Almighty Messiah, coming to bring justice and destroy injustice on earth. The innocent John in prison expects Jesus to intervene and save him from the unjust oppression he is suffering.
John sends two of his disciples to ask Jesus directly, "Are you the one who is to come or are we to wait for another one?” (V. 3). Jesus responds with the acts He was doing—miracles of healing and announcing the good news to the poor, showing that He has authority over life and death. Jesus reveals His true person, identity and mission to those sent by John, and to those present.
We are invited to read again today's gospel, have a time of reflection, meditation, prayer and imitation. When faithful people experience times of difficulties, sufferings and doubt, they can ask why Jesus does not intervene. Like John, let us go straight to Him and listen to His answers. That is the best way to remain rooted in His love and presence.
After the return of the disciples to John, Jesus asks the crowd about him. "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind ... a prophet? Yes, I tell you more than a prophet” (v. 7-9). Jesus is referring to the last verses of the Old Testament, Malachi 4:5 "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." Jesus uses the figure of the reed moved by the wind, a plant known for swaying in the wind and its direction. By this, He is referring to the Baptist as someone who stands firm on his principles and is not shaken by storms of any kind.
Jesus concludes "Blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me” (Mt 11:6, Lk 7:23). Happy are those who don’t stumble or lose faith, even when Jesus’ message or actions seem contrary to their expectations. Blessed is he/she who might experience doubts and goes to Jesus directly with trust. Listen to Him, acknowledge His Person, Identity and Mission, dispelling doubts about His love, presence and care.
We await His coming with firm faith and hope, affirming with John that He is the One to come and no other. Get ready to welcome Him.