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Dear Friend,
In the Gospel of the third Sunday of Advent (Matthew 11:2-11), John sent his disciples to Jesus and ask Him: "Are you the one who is to come or should we expect someone else?"
Please read this Gospel to your family to prepare them for this Sunday of Advent and join them in meditating on the experience of John’s disciples.
Meditation ~
What have we to learn about Jesus in this Gospel?
John was in prison and could no longer continue the discipleship training of his followers. Most probably, John was thinking of endorsing them to Jesus whom they heard had been teaching and proclaiming the same message he had been spreading. Was this why John sent his disciples to
Jesus?
Am I also being endorsed to Jesus to continue learning from Him?
The disciples of John must have missed hearing Jesus, quoting Scriptures, proclaimed His mission at Nazareth (Luke 4:18-19): "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives and to give new sight to the blind; to free the oppressed and announce the Lord’s year of mercy."
Jesus instead of answering directly their question, wanted these disciples to know that these prophetic words have indeed come true from what they hear and see.
This is mission of the Son of Man who is to come, and the mission I am to participate in.
Why is the least in the kingdom of heaven greater than John? Is it because the least in the kingdom of heaven, who is participating in the mission, was baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire?
The least in the kingdom has the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit.
This is what is important -- not the greatness (prestige) it brings.
Contemplation ~
Imagine yourself with the disciples of John that day they were sent to Jesus. Listen to Jesus state how His mission comes true that day and today.
Stay behind with Jesus as the others went back to John.
You may not understand a lot of things about the mission but you have the gifts of the Holy Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control) and fire, not to consume, but to transform.
Let this fire continue burning you as you spend time with Him in Spirit.
Joe & Charito
THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA'S
ONLINE RESOURCE FOR FAMILY MINISTRIES
www.simbahayan.org
servants@simbahayan.org
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