Art thou he that should come or look we for another?
At that time, John, who was in prison, having heard of the works of Christ, sent by his disciples and said to him, "Are you he that should come or look we for another?". Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor and proclaim the Gospel. And blessed is he who does not find me a source of scandal. "
While they were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: "What did you go to see in the desert? A reed shaken by the wind? So, what did you go see? A man dressed in clothes of luxury? Here, those who wear luxury clothing are in kings' palaces! Well, what did you go see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, in fact, more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written: "Behold, before thee I send my messenger before you, he will prepare your way."
Verily I say unto you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist, but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. " 11.2 to 11 Mt
Homily
of the Benedictine Monks Silvestrini
The Baptist in the desert.
What did you go to see in the desert? It 's a question that makes people think. Not a barrel, not a man dressed in luxury in the desert ... Have you met a prophet, the messenger who came to prepare the way, the greatest among children born to women, but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Mysterious words, but they want us to reflect on the greatness that has given us baptism by which we joined the new kingdom of God, inaugurated by the redemptive death of the Savior. Then accepting his gospel and living it with consistency, it becomes larger than Young because we live in the new economy of grace. John is in prison. He warns that his days are numbered. King Herod as a fierce do not mess around, let alone with the fury of a woman who is reproached her shameless infidelity. He, from prison, sends his disciples to Jesus to ask if he was indeed the Messiah, Jesus answered by quoting Isaiah 35.5, which we heard in first reading, which describes the joy of the people who return to Jerusalem, accompanied by the festive nature. So we celebrate what is often called "second exodus" means the return of the jew people in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. But the real exodus from the bondage of sin occurs through the Messiah who brings joy in every heart with miraculous healings and deliverance from the dominion of the devil. Asked if he was indeed the Messiah, Jesus responds to report to their teacher what they see and hear. The Baptist saw complete his mission as the Messiah has arrived and will now leave this world, happy to have made this contact between Jesus and his disciples, to follow where you will put after his beheading. To enter the mystery of faith are necessary calm and patience. And 'what St. James recommends taking as example the farmer who calmly awaits the result of the sowing or the prophets, who have suffered persecution, prison and even death. Perhaps John is still somewhat taken aback by the news that is reported about the message of salvation that Jesus worked with so much kindness, so kindly, encouraging sinners the humble, the last. A new to him crying in the wilderness. For us instead is a fresh news, because in our disease we do not want a doctor without uprooting the evil heart without mercy, but a compassionate physician who heals, instilling confidence in the recovery. It 'a source of immense joy they can hear you say: You are forgiven your sins! Go in peace! This accomplishes the mercy of God through his minister in the sacrament of reconciliation.
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