When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?”  Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.  And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.”

 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind?  What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces.  What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.  This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’  Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

POINTERS FOR PRAYER

 1. In response to the question of John, Jesus let his actions speak for him. Some people show by the way they live what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Who has given you such an example? Perhaps there have been times when you have done the same for others.

2. John made a journey of faith from an incomplete knowledge of Jesus to a deeper understanding of who he was. Recall similar steps in your journey of faith.

3. Faith is not primarily about answering abstract theological questions but about living the gospel. What in your life has helped you to get that sense of perspective?

4. John marked the end of an era, Jesus the beginning of a new one. In our lives how do we honour the past and yet be free to move on into a new era?

 

When St Paul wrote “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice”, there was a lot going on. He himself was confined under house arrest, probably in Ephesus. The Philippians sent a messenger with some money and spiritual support — but the messenger fell ill and nearly died — a man with the unlikely name Epaphroditus. Paul was concerned for the Philippians who were concerned for Paul and for Epaphroditus. Anxiety was in the air! Within the community in Philippi, two evangelists had fallen out with each other — Euodia and Synthyche — causing as serious rift in the little community. Not least, some people were attacking Paul, trying to bring back the full Jewish Law, the Torah, with all its rules and regulations.

 

Living in the real world of conflict and challenge did not prevent Paul from accessing the joy of the Gospel. In fact, the letter to the Philippians is marked by an especially joyful tone. At the very beginning, Paul affirms:

 

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always, in every prayer of mine, making my prayer with joy for you all, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (Philippians 1:3–5)