Theme: Jesus tells John the Baptist of the signs of the kingdom that are being worked through him

From the desk of Ms. Kathleen Cook, Director of Religious Education

Theme: Matthew 11:2-11 Jesus tells John the Baptist of the signs of the kingdom that are being worked through him and praises John as more than a prophet.

Summary: John the Baptist is imprisoned and he sends his disciples to seek out Jesus to inquire if he is indeed the one who Israel has been awaiting. Jesus responds by indicating the works he has done. Go tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. This indeed is good news of great joy. John the Baptist has laid the ground work and paved the way for Jesus. Jesus is the One, and He brings joy to those who have long awaited this good news. John the Baptist plays a pivotal role in announcing the One who is the Good News. 

Scripture: www.sermons4kids.com

Jesus answered, “Go back to John and tell him about the things you hear and see: The blind can see. The crippled can walk. People with harmful skin diseases are healed. The deaf can hear. The dead are raised to life. And the Good News is told to the poor.” Matthew 11:4-5 

 

In Scripture today we learn that John, even though he was in prison, was hearing about all the wonderful things Jesus was doing. He sent a message to Jesus by some of his friends. "Ask Jesus if he is the Messiah we have been expecting, or should we continue to watch for someone else?"

When they asked Jesus that question, he answered, “Go back to John and tell him about the things you hear and see: The blind can see. The crippled can walk. People with harmful skin diseases are healed. The deaf can hear. The dead are raised to life. And the Good News is told to the poor.” 

Jesus is God’s gift to us. Jesus came to earth to give us life -- eternal life! What a gift!

Dear God, thank You for Jesus! We know that every good gift we receive comes from you and the greatest gift is eternal life brought down to us through your Son. Father, we thank you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

 

Key Words in Today’s Readings: www.livingwithchrist.us

First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 

    Lebanon is a country at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, bordering modern-day Israel.

Carmel refers to a coastal mountain in Israel. Mount Carmel marks the northern reach of the plain of Sharon, a flat region that includes the modern city of Tel Aviv.

Second Reading: James 5:7-10

The Coming of the Lord is a reference to the second coming of Jesus, at the end of time. The first Christians thought that Jesus would be returning in their own lifetime; they expected it to happen soon.

Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11

    A reed is a thin shoot of a plant, often found near water. It is thin and flexible, and bends with the wind.

Prophets were holy men and women who spoke publicly against poverty and injustice, and criticized the people whenever they refused to listen to God’s word. Many of the books of the Old Testament were written by prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, and Micah, for example.

My Promise to Jesus: Jesus, when I feel afraid or uncertain, I will share my feelings with you. I know that you will make everything work out.

 

Reflect: If a word or phrase from the Gospel captures your heart, sit quietly for several minutes, repeating it to yourself and asking God to show you how it applies to your life.  How can following Jesus make your life more meaningful and help you change the world? What doubts do you have about committing yourself to Jesus? www.smp.org

 

Suggested book that compliments today’s Gospel:

http://scu.edu/character/build-plant-grow/

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Written by Dr. Seuss

ISBN: 13:978-0394800790

Pray that you will always seek to be a person of joy, recognizing that the joy within comes from the relationship you have with God. Amen. 

 

Family Discussion: www.loyolapress.com

It is easy to look at our world and become discouraged by the apparent absence of God and signs of God's salvation. Advent, however, is a season of hope, in which we acknowledge that salvation is both mysteriously present, even in our world, and yet to be fulfilled.

Read together today's Gospel. Think about John's question to Jesus: Are you the One? Jesus does not answer directly, but points to the signs of the kingdom present in his midst.

Together as a family, look through the newspaper for signs of hope that God is at work in our world. Pray that the world will know God's salvation by praying together the Lord's Prayer.