Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11
When John the Baptist heard in prison about the deeds of Christ, he sent a message by his disciples, asking him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Jesus answered them, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are made clean, the deaf hear, the dead are brought back to life, and the poor hear the good news; and how fortunate is the one who does not take offense at me!”
As the messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “When you went out to the desert, what did you expect to see? A reed swept by the wind? What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? People who wear fine clothes live in palaces. What did you really go out to see? A prophet? Yes, indeed, and even more than a prophet. He is the man of whom Scripture says: I send my messenger ahead of you, to prepare the way before you.
I tell you this: no one greater than John the Baptist has arisen from among the sons of women; and yet, the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Lectio Divina
READ: Today we are celebrating the Gaudete Sunday meaning joy. A rose candle is lit, inviting us to rejoice because the Lord is near. (Jas 5:8)
REFLECT: The first reading is telling that even the wilderness and the desert will be joyful ­ the wilderness that is wild and barren, and the desert that is so arid because of little rainfall. Life will spring from them. There is the command to strengthen the weak and assure with the presence of God those who are afraid. There is also the prophecy that the blind will see, the deaf will hear and the ran­somed will return to their land. These things signify that some­body is coming and will make all things to happen. He will bring life and joy in his coming. We are excited for his pre­sence, we want to witness how these things will happen, but the second reading is teaching us to be patient. There is no time in waiting. Somebody who waits is not bound by time, only by the joy of expecting. Let us streng­then our hearts as we wait. The Gospel is revealing that it is Jesus who is coming. He alone has the power to heal and restore those who have dis­ability. In his presence creation is revived, and so the blossoming of the wilderness and the desert.
PRAY: The Lord is near, let us rejoice!
ACT: Prepare his way by giving a beautiful smile. Be ahead of others in doing what is good. Be contented of what you have and what you received, but continue on improving yourself.

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