Reflection for Sunday December 14 Third Sunday of Advent: Matthew 11:2-11

Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11

When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.

Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you. Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

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Reflection:

The story is told of a man who was searching for the presence of Jesus in his life. He climbed the highest mountain hoping to find Him there, but he did not. He then went to the most majestic church with the same hope, yet again he did not find Jesus.

Like this man, we often look far and wide for the Lord’s presence. We long for signs, extraordinary moments, or dramatic encounters. Yet many times, we overlook the simple truth that the Lord is already with us. We fail to recognize Him because our hearts are too distracted, too burdened, or too absorbed by the things of this world.

 We are with the Lord when we pray.

We are with the Lord when we go to Holy Mass.

We are with the Lord when we read the Scriptures and allow God’s word to touch our hearts.

And in many quiet, hidden ways throughout our day, He comes to us, but we do not always see Him.

When John the Baptist heard in prison about the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus answered, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.” (Matthew 11:2–5)

By pointing to His works, Jesus was telling them—and telling us—that there is no need to search for someone else. The One we long for is already in our midst.

He is here. He is present. He is with us.

And because He is with us, we need not be consumed by fear, worry, or the weight of our struggles. Instead, we are invited to trust Him more deeply, surrender our burdens more freely, and call upon His name more faithfully. The Lord is never far; it is our hearts that must draw near.

So today, as we pause and reflect, let us ask ourselves:

Are we truly opening our hearts to recognize Jesus who is already walking with us, comforting us, guiding us, and quietly revealing His presence every single day? – Marino J. Dasmarinas