A sermon on Matthew 11:2-11

By Fr. Mike Paraniuk
HCP columnist

John the Baptist is in prison. Herod locked John up because he spoke the truth that Herod was in an immoral marriage. 

The Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" 

John needed reassurance that his faith in Jesus was not in vain. From his prison window, he anxiously awaited word that his sacrifices for Jesus was worth it.

Jesus answers John's question by saying "I am doing what the Messiah is supposed to do." 

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. (Matthew 2:4-5.)
 
From within his prison walls, John felt peace. He knew without any doubt that Jesus is the Messiah who came to free God's people imprisoned by sickness or fear. Jesus wanted John to know he restores hope to those who hurt. That's what the Messiah does.

When Jesus said, "The poor have the good news proclaimed to them," He is not referring to poverty. He means God will come to the "poor in spirit" who needs Him. 

Jesus is the Messiah who is dedicated to destroying anything that imprisons the human spirit. Jesus wants you to enjoy life and have it to the full. Jesus said, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10.) "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:11.)

I watched a video clip about a father and his crippled adult son. They were at a train station. The elevator was broken. The son was in a wheelchair, unable to walk due to a spinal cord injury. The son would have to climb 50 steps to catch the next train. His paralyzed legs imprisoned him to his wheelchair. He had this hopeless look as he beheld steps he could never climb.

The father was undeterred. Facing away from his son, the dad knelt down in front of his son. He said to his son, "put your arms around my neck." The father stood up with his son clinging to him. The father gave his paralyzed son a piggyback ride on his back. The dad was small in stature, but large in heart. 

The father's dedication to his son was beautiful to behold. Together, they slowly climbed one step at a time with the much taller son holding on for dear life. I was so nervous watching this. One loss of balance and both would be seriously hurt. At one point, the son grew tired and almost let go of dad's neck. Instinctively, the father grabbed his son's arms, holding him even tighter. 

They finally reached the top platform. The exhausted father gently sat his son down on the floor. A helpful bystander carried the wheelchair up the steps. Dad picked up his son, placing him in the chair. The father's love for his son was breath-taking. 

This is how Jesus loves you. Jesus dedicated His life to carry you through anything that hurts you. Dedicate your life to Jesus by helping another who hurts. Help them to hold onto Jesus and know His Peace. Help them to hold on to Jesus and be free. Happy Advent.