The Gospel for the Third Sunday in Advent is from Matthew 11:2-15 (by the way, this year, the three-year lectionary has the same selection as the traditional lectionary). This passage shows John the Baptist in prison He sends two of his followers to Jesus, and they ask if Jesus is the expected Messiah. We are not told why John asks. Perhaps he needs personal reassurance, and he probably also wants his disciples to encounter Jesus.
In any case, Jesus replies with a two-fold proclamation. First, He points to the redemptive acts taking place in His own ministry, works that fulfill the Messianic prophecies. Secondly, He points to the purpose and value of the prophetic work of John the Baptist as the forerunner. Then, our Lord concludes with an exhortation to His hearers. Those who have ears should hear; that is, they should be sensitive and perceptive about events. They should realize what God is doing in the ministry of John the Baptist and in the mystery of Jesus the Christ. May we also be sensitive and perceptive regarding God's redemptive work!
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