The gospel reading of today tells us about the experience of John the Baptist when he was in prison, he sent messengers to Jesus to ask if he is the Messiah or they should expect someone else? This is the same John who in Matt.3:13-17 baptized Jesus and witnessed the open heavens, the dove and the voice speaking. The same John who in John1:29 pointed out the Messiah saying “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” But here he is asking if Jesus Christ is the messiah or they should expect another. Beloved in Christ, every great man has his period of crisis. Tragedy can prompt us to make inquiries, but if we approach the wrong people our scope and hope will be corrupted.
Our faith will surely be put to test
Most of us might be living a relatively peaceful life. Some of us may even be leading prosperous lives. Nothing to contradict our faith. Keep in mind that our faith will eventually be put to the ultimate test. IPeter 1:7:“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”
John expected that the coming Messiah would be an unforgiving judge who would gather the wheat into the granary but burn the chaff with an unquenchable fire, just as it is said in Matthew 3:12. To his utmost surprise, however, the Messiah did not act in the manner in which he had anticipated; rather, he observed someone who made an effort to save the lost. Most of the time, God meets our needs rather than fulfilling our expectations. It has less to do with what you want than with what he is giving us. Most of the time, we are so focused on what we want from him that we fail to recognize what he is actually giving us.
Be aware that God’s delay is not an irrational one. Christians, however, do not want to hear this. Matt.11:6 Jesus tells the disciples “Blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.” The cross is bitter but it makes us better later. Things may not be working well but God is not sleeping “blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me”. Are you angry? Are you wondering why God has not intervene in that situation? Today’s second reading (James 5:7-10) tells us to be patient. The farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth. Beloved, do not grumble be patient.
Our mandate is to witnesses. If we must fulfill we must not be discouraged by the tragedies of life. The first reading tells us Strengthen all weary hands, steady all trembling knees and say to all faint hearts, ‘Courage! Do not be afraid. ‘Look, your God is coming, vengeance is coming, the retribution of God; he is coming to save you.’ (Isaiah 35:3-4).
