Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 14, 2025

Date: 3^rd Sunday of Advent

Scripture Text:  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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel recounts Jesus’ response to John the Baptist’s questioning from prison and Jesus’ message to those following Him about John the Baptist but also about what was to come. John’s questions arose because Jesus didn’t act the way that most expected the Messiah to act – forcefully, militarily. Jesus was working miracles, that is true, but He was so gentle and that was not what the prophet expected. Jesus’ answer to John was to quote Isaiah prophecy of the redemption the Messiah would bring.

Jesus’ questions about why others went to see John the Baptist in the dessert are meant to point out John’s special role in the salvific mission. Yet John will not live to see the culmination of Jesus’ life and death, His resurrection. We who know of the resurrection as a reality are blessed in a way John was not.

In this time of waiting, of preparations and anticipation, are we trusting in the LORD? Do we take heart from our awareness of His enduring presence?

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

When things don’t go like I think they should, do I doubt? Do I doubt the LORD’s love? Do I doubt the LORD’s presence?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, I learn to trust slowly and I doubt quickly. Yet I know that You have a divine design, a plan for our salvation. For millennia, humanity waited, but we were not disappointed. In time, You sent your only-begotten Son for our redemption. As I wait and prepare to celebrate Christmas, my embrace of your gift and promise, send your Spirit to amplify my patience and strengthen my trust. Grant that I may not doubt but always trust in You, your power and your presence, manifestations of your love that knows no bounds. I ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.