Lk 7:18b-23
So John called two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord with this message, “Are you the one we are expecting, or should we wait for another?” These men came to Jesus and said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask you: Are you the one we are to expect, or should we wait for another?”
At that time Jesus healed many people of their sicknesses or diseases; he freed them from evil spirits and he gave sight to the blind. Then he answered the messengers, “Go back and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind see again, the lame walk, lepers are made clean, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the poor are given good news. Now, listen: Fortunate are those who meet me, and are not offended by me.”
REFLECTION
John is in prison and has an essential question for Jesus. He has been witness of the baptism of Jesus, and so he knows his messiahship. Nevertheless, the preaching doesn’t match with the idea of the eschatological judge who establishes the Kingdom with power and glory. So, as the Jews asked John: “Who are you?” John now asks Jesus: “Who are you?”
The answer of Jesus is accordingly in biblical style. In fact, when the messengers from John arrive at Jesus’ doorstep, he is seen healing many people, and expelling evil spirits. So, Jesus can tell them to explain to John the signs they have seen. The allusion to the figure of the Messiah according to the prophecies is clear. No doubt, even if the eschatological aspect is not yet evident. Jesus adds a final aspect that deserves to be marked: “the poor are given good news.” The Kingdom is preached to humble people. And Jesus underlines: “happy are you if you are not scandalized by it.”
We need not hesitate to put questions to Jesus, to interrogate about his message and his heart, and be attentive to his suggestions and subtle answers through Scripture, prayer and the encounters in life. Thus will we discover the true face of our Messiah.
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