Prepare the Way

by David Lins  |  12/11/2022  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

You have got to reread Mathew 11:2-11! John the Baptist is back!

He gets word of Jesus and sends his people to ask this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” It’s almost like he is saying, “Check to see if he knows the secret handshake.”

When they arrive and ask Jesus, he chooses the Golden Rule for writers: show, don’t tell.

He said, “Go and tell John what you hear and see.” And what did they hear and see?

The blind were regaining their sight. The lame were walking. Lepers were being cleansed. The deaf were able to hear again. DEAD WERE BEING RAISED. And the poor – considered not worth anyone’s time – were being taught the good news.

It was as if Jesus was like, “Seriously? Am I the one? Spend an hour with me and tell me what you think.”

Oh, but Jesus wasn’t done yet – and here is one of approximately 8,427 examples of where people who say Jesus never claimed divinity are Biblically ignorant. (Not trying to be uncharitable – those are the most accurate words by definition.) He begins describing John the Baptist, “What did you go to the desert to see?” He is referring to the people who traveled to see John. “A reed swaying in the wind?” Looking for a nature retreat? “Someone dressed in fine clothing?” Then, you went to the wrong guy! “To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is writen: Behold, I am sending a messenger ahead of you; he will prepare a way for you.”

In a nutshell: after just showing that he is the one whom John the Baptist has been waiting for, he doubles down by telling all those who were listening that John the Baptist is the messenger who was predicted to prepare the way of the Lord.

May we all be like John the Baptist this Advent – proclaiming the coming of the Savior in word and in deed.

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