Hearing The Word

A weekly newsletter delivering context and insight into the Sunday Gospels.

December 14, 2025

Third Sunday of Advent

Matthew 11:2-11

When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ,

he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question,

"Are you the one who is to come,

or should we look for another?"

Jesus said to them in reply,

"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,

and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.

And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."

As they were going off,

Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John,

"What did you go out to the desert to see?

A reed swayed by the wind?

Then what did you go out to see?

Someone dressed in fine clothing?

Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.

Then why did you go out? To see a prophet?

Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

This is the one about whom it is written:

Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;

he will prepare your way before you.

Amen, I say to you,

among those born of women

there has been none greater than John the Baptist;

yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."

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Time to Rejoice

~Rev. Paul Galetto, OSA

Pastor, Saint Paul Parish + Philadelphia, Pa.

This section of Matthew’s Gospel is about the Kingdom of God. John is a special prophet because he was given a mission that no other prophet had: to introduce the Messiah and thus usher in the Kingdom of God. John’s questions show that it was not clear to the people what the works of the Messiah might be; would they be of a military nature or of a religious one. Jesus refers to Isaiah 35: 5-6: “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped, then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy…” and Isaiah 61:1: “The spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the oppressed.”

The works of Jesus are the works of the Messiah, the anointed one. Not only should the people not take offense; they should believe. John is great because he is unwavering in his understanding and living the truth; he is a person of integrity. While he is great, he dies before the manifestation. Those born after John and who believe in Jesus as the Messiah that John foretold will be greater than he. To believe in the Messiah is indeed a cause for rejoicing.

Faith in the Face of Doubt

~Dennis Mueller

Saint Albert the Great + Huntingdon Valley, Pa.

When my children were young and we visited the playground, they often became so absorbed in play that they forgot I was there—until one scraped a knee, bumped a head, or grew upset when a sibling wasn’t playing fair.

In those moments, their eyes searched frantically for me among the crowd, panic rising because in the chaos they could not see me. Yet I had never taken my eyes off them and was already moving toward them.

My relationship with God is often no different, which is why I find comfort in this passage about John the Baptist. John—the one who leapt in his mother’s womb at the presence of Christ, who later proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God, and whom Jesus Himself declared “more than a prophet”—now wrestles with doubt. Imprisoned and facing the shadow of death, his faith falters. His uncertainty reminds me of my own struggle to hold onto faith when circumstances rob me of hope and leave me in despair.

Jesus’ response to John’s disciples is striking. He does not rebuke John for his doubt, nor does He answer directly. Instead, He points to signs of God’s activity: “The blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news proclaimed to them.” Jesus invites John to see beyond his prison walls and recognize that God is very much present and active.



I too must remind myself not to lose sight of God’s presence when I become panic-stricken by worry, anxiety, or the crosses of life. These obstacles can blind me to His blessings and constant accompaniment. In times of struggle, when prayers seem unanswered or hope feels distant, I need to look for the subtle yet powerful signs of His presence: the reassuring words of a loved one, the kindness of a stranger, the peaceful silence of adoration, or His grace poured out through the sacraments.



These glimpses of grace anchor me in hope when certainty slips away. Even in chaos, God’s gaze never leaves me. I simply need to refocus and see that He is right there with me and my faith is restored.