December 15, 2021

Lk 7: 18b-23

The disciples of John reported all these things to him. So John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” When the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’” 

Jesus had just then cured many people of diseases, plagues, and evil spirits, and had given sight to many who were blind. And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved. 

Bringing the light of Jesus

About a month ago, I told my parents that I wouldn’t be able to continue my early morning walks, as my headlamp was beginning to burn out. Shortly thereafter, my dad gave me a new headlamp that shines at a brilliant 450 lumens (the average halogen bulb in your headlights is about 700 lumens), allowing me to continue my morning walks. Today, we hear that the light of John the Baptist is beginning to fade, as he doubts whether Jesus is “the one to come.” Was this doubt a function of John’s own circumstances, fatigue, or persecution? Or was Jesus not meeting John’s Messianic expectations by not being political or radical enough? Jesus responds to John’s doubts with a proverbial 450-lumen headlamp. By curing, healing, and restoring those in most need, Jesus illuminates the ways in which he is our light and our salvation. 

How are your own circumstances or expectations overshadowing God’s light in you? How can you bring the light of Jesus to others through acts of love, kindness, mercy, or service?

—Jackie Schulte is the Dean of Faculty Formation and a history teacher at Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, Nebraska.

Prayer 

Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations
for Christmas.
We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!'
Amen.

—Henri J. M. Nouwen