As I was reading today’s gospel from Matthew 11:2-11, I could hear Jesus asking me, “When you entered the desert of your own life, what did you expect to see?” Did you expect to find someone who wavers from right to left without forming any clear opinions about the important things in life? Or did you expect to find someone who is easily lured by wealth and power? In the end, I hope he can say to me, “No, I can see in you a prophet and, more than that, more than even John the Baptist himself, I see one who gives of herself or himself so that others can find their way to me, the Christ.” Today is indeed a time for us to look into our own lives, especially in those times when we struggle to find meaning in life.
It is a time to recall the words of the prophet contained in the first reading (Isaiah 35:1-6,10) where the prophet advises us to let the desert rejoice and bloom. As the prophet goes on to say, “Srengthen all weary hands, steady all trembling knees and say to all faint hearts, ‘Courage! Do not be afraid.’” And what happens when we allow the Lord to inject us with Spirit, especially in the darkest moments of our lives, is that we witness others around us come alive as they talk about seeing all around them with new sight and hearing people express hope and walk with new determination. But beware, this doesn’t happen overnight.
It takes time, as the apostle says in the second reading from James 5:7-10. “Be patient … Do not lose heart.” Trust that you have the resources within you to answer the call to be missionary disciples of Jesus Christ.
Even when it feels like nothing is going right in your life and you find yourself in a desolate situation, trust that you will receive the strength, energy, and spirit needed to inspire those around you. Encourage them not to give up but to believe in the power of healing. So, what did you expect to find? A prophet and, more than a prophet, one who prepares the way for Jesus to enter other people’s lives.
Even if you feel like the “least in the kingdom of heaven”, trust in what Jesus says: you will do greater things than even John the Baptist could have imagined. Please do not underestimate the power of your faith and the impact of your call to be a missionary disciples of Jesus Christ.
