Is 35:1-6a, 10
Jas 5:7-10
Mt 11:2-11

Persistence

In the gospel for Sunday, John the Baptist, who is in prison, asks a question of Jesus that many people ask in our own time. “Are you the one who is to come, or have we got to wait for someone else?” It has been two thousand years since Jesus told his followers that he would return and still we wait. It seems surprising that John would ask that question since he and Jesus were cousins and most likely knew Jesus since childhood. They may even had played together. It may not be surprising for John to believe that Jesus is the long awaited messiah since he did know him as an ordinary child and young adult.

It takes deep faith and persistent prayer and reflection for us to continue to believe that Jesus is truly the long awaited messiah.  He replied to John’s question when he says, “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.” We can believe these words because in the many years since Jesus’ physical presence miracles have continued to happen. There are extraordinary examples of miracles that have happened at Lourdes and at other Marian shrines. These, and other examples, are present in the ordinary lives of people who seek healing from all kinds of illness and human problems. Faith and trust are needed by all of us.

Sometimes we may find ourselves in prison, a prison of our own making or because of outside circumstances. We may feel helpless, lost in grief, fear over lack of finances, feelings of loneliness or anger. When we find ourselves in a negative situation, we need to continue to trust and pray and not lose faith in Jesus. Continue to pray. Prayer is a great help even if we don’t get the results we expected. We will get an answer, even if not what we asked for. We must keep trusting in God.

December 25^th is right around the corner. Use this time left before we celebrate the coming of Jesus to be positive in thoughts, words and actions. Be open to the daily miracles that come into our lives. The second reading tells us, “Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.” You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. Be persistent, patient and positive!

What are some miracles that have happened in your life?

What can you do before Christmas to be more prayerful, more persistent, more patient, more positive?