Reflection Third Sunday of Advent Matthew 11:2-11

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew,
When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question,
“Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”
Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and 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. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John,
“What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why 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:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you. Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” The Gospel of the Lord

When we were kids we used to make treasure maps, X marks the spot. From childhood we dream of buried treasure, than later it becomes dreams of winning the lottery.
Always dreams of something happening that gives us an easy life without effort.

Jesus question to the people ask, “What are you looking for?” We learn it is not right to look for truth from people in fine cloths, and false profits.

This reminds me of a song from the 80’s, “Looking for Love in all the wrong places.”

Do not put your faith in worldly things for there is no truth there. The Messiah states, “I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you. Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist.” Born of woman, we are not to follow prophets born of the world. John the Baptist, born from Elisabeth, Jesus born from Mary, Deacon’s, Priest’s, and Bishop’s, born from Mother Church.

Our true treasure is found through the Word of Christ, and a life worthy of always receiving Jesus in the Eucharist at Mass. As great is John the Baptist he is not as great as the least in Heaven. To be a true Saint is our focus.