Are you the one who is to come"

Today's Mass Readings

Before John had been put in prison he had been preparing for the coming of the Messiah by proclaiming the words of the prophet Isaiah. Last Sunday we heard how he was proclaiming repentance in the words of the prophet Isaiah when he cried out, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Jesus’ reply to John is also taken from the prophet Isaiah. Jesus knew that John would understand, Jesus’ words. John would know by hearing the prophecy from Isaiah, that Jesus was indeed the messiah. So in fact, what was Jesus saying to John, what was Jesus saying to the people who heard what he said, what is he saying to us. Like John, the people around Jesus had doubts. They asked him many times for a sign and Jesus refused to give them. We have doubts too? How many tomes in my own life I have said to God, “If you really exist, change my life.” “If you really exist, show what you really want of me!” I am sure you have had your doubts. Just as children go through the phase where they ask you if Santa really exists, we have our adult moment where we ask, does God really exist?

To John, to us, Jesus says, “ Are you asking if I am the messiah? Are you asking if I really exist? Are you asking if the Christmas story is true? Are you asking if I am alive and involved in today’s world? Jesus says to us like he said to John, “Look around you.” “The messiah is among you!”

Ten days away from Christmas, there are three things God is reminding us. First, Yes! The world is full of evil. Yes! There are problems in our lives. But look around you! The world is full of the signs of the messiah! Every child born is a sigh of the messiah. Your son, your daughter who you love very much; that’s where the messiah is. Is there even a little love your life? That’s the sign of the messiah. Yes! We are all sinful. But is there event he faintest hope of forgiveness? That is the sign of the messiah. Yes! Our life may be all tears. Did you smile just once this week? That’s the sign of the messiah. Every drop of rain, every cloud that passes by, every snowflake, every ocean wave is the sign of the messiah. Every healing, every Christian death is the sign of the messiah. Is there a carol you like? That’s where your messiah is.