Saint Rita Catholic Church and School in Webster, NY - An Introduction to the Sunday Scriptures

“This Is The One About Whom It Is Written: Behold, I Am Sending My Messenger Ahead Of You”

This Sunday is Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. The word is taken from the opening prayer of today's Mass, "Rejoice in the Lord always." It is a time filled with hope and trust in the Lord that our deliverance and will come. Our readings today highlight the role of John the Baptist in “preparing the way of the Lord”. John sent disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come?” In asking this, John wasn’t merely asking “Are you the Messiah?”, he was asking, are you the one of whom Isaiah prophesied when he said, ”Here is your God”. Jesus’ answer hearkened back to the very words of this morning’s first reading, when Isaiah foretold long ago about the day the Lord himself would come.

In our first reading (Isaiah 35:1-6, 10), the Prophet Isaiah described the day when God himself would intervene in Salvation history and deliver His people; a time of utter joy and gladness. The words Isaiah used are the very words Jesus will use in today’s Gospel to announce to the world that indeed, Jesus is the one of whom Isaiah spoke.

Our Epistle reading is from the Letter of St. James (Jas 5:7-10). It reflects the belief at the time that Jesus' return was imminent and counseled patience and firmness of heart - a lesson still applicable today.

In our Gospel reading (Matthew 11:2-11), we hear that John the Baptist, while he was in prison, sent disciples to inquire if Jesus is “the one who is to come”. Jesus replied using the words of Isaiah’s well known prophesy - in effect saying, Yes, I am “the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.” Jesus used the words of Isaiah’s prophesy saying, "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”. Jesus also told them that John was the one of whom the prophets also spoke when it was written, “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.”

Today is a day of great rejoicing that, at a time of God's choosing, He will come with vindication to save us. Patience! Joy! The day is near! May our hearts be firm!

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121425.cfm