The Gospel reading for the third Sunday of Advent- Gaudete Sunday- brings us to a profound moment: John the Baptist, imprisoned and facing uncertainty, sends his disciples to Jesus with a burning question, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” (Matthew 11:3).
This seems strange when read within the context of the Gospel according to John whereby John the Baptist pointed with conviction to Jesus saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
Some scripture scholars have suggested that while John knew Jesus was the Messiah, perhaps, like others, he had a different idea about what Jesus’ public ministry would bring. Perhaps, his arrest caused him to question what he knew to be true in his heart? Other scholars suggest that his questioning was merely a means to draws his disciples’ attention to the signs that Jesus was doing, “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.” The reading itself lends credibility to this second interpretation as it says that John sent his disciples to Jesus with the question because of what he heard Jesus was doing while he was in prison.
John models for us how to respond when we experience our own prisons, trials, doubts, or unmet expectations: he turns our attention to Jesus. In turning to him, we remember the many ways Jesus has already initiated his salvation within us. We see the many miracles that Jesus is working among our fellow disciples. And we are encouraged to let his mercy flow through us.
Reflection: How might our uncertainties this Advent lead us closer to Jesus. What signs and wonders being manifest by Christ are we able to see?
