Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 / James 5:7-10 / Matthew 11:2-11
We may think that we know enough about a topic or a subject, until we have to explain it, or when we are questioned about it.
Even when it comes to our faith, there are many things that we think we know, but upon further questioning, we may realize that our knowledge and understanding can be quite lacking.
For example, the Advent wreath. Why is it circular in shape and not square or some other shape? Why is there a rose coloured candle among the three purple coloured candles? Why is the Nativity scene like half-done and where is Baby Jesus?
If we can provide good and clear answers and explanations, then we are quite knowledgeable about the practices of our faith.
But often, it is like we know a bit, and yet we don't seem to know quite a lot, and we may feel embarrassed and frustrated that we can't give reasonable and acceptable answers to what we believe in.
And even if we are well informed about the various aspects of our faith, it may not mean that we have a conviction.
Because knowing may not necessarily lead to believing, and when our faith is shaken, then our belief will also be tested.
In the gospel, we heard that John the Baptist was in prison and he heard about what Jesus was doing, and he sent his disciples to ask Jesus this question: Are you the one who is to come, or have we to wait for someone else?
We may remember that it was John the Baptist who pointed out Jesus as the Lamb of god, the Saviour.
But now, in the darkness and despair of his prison cell, doubts are encircling him and his faith is put to the test.
John the Baptist could be wondering, if Jesus is the Saviour, then why isn't He coming to free him from this prison, and even punish those who have persecuted him.
That could be the reason why John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus that question. Because John the Baptist wasn't sure about Jesus anymore.
But like John the Baptist, when our faith is not shaken and put to the test, our faith may shine like daylight with confidence.
But when we are faced with disappointment and frustration, when anger and resentment burns up our faith, and fear and anxiety cut up our belief in God, then we are like John the Baptist in his prison cell.
We can sum up the darkness and despair in one word and that is “Why?”, and we want, and even demand answers from God.
John the Baptist may not understand, why after pointing out Jesus as the Lamb of God, he would end up in prison.
He could have felt that God had dumped him, or forgotten about him, now that the focus is on Jesus.
But it was in that prison, that John the Baptist would bear witness and testimony to God as he laid down his life for his belief.
In that sense, his question about Jesus was answered, and so were his prayers of despair and distress.
We too will have our questions that begin with “Why?”, and we will have our desperate prayers in darkness.
But our prayers will be heard, and our questions will be answered, as we listen to this reflection:
I asked for strength, and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for wisdom, and God gave me problems to solve.
I asked for courage, and God gave me dangers to overcome.
I asked for love, and God gave me troubled people to help.
My prayers were answered.
In this 3rd Week of Advent, we light the third candle, the rose coloured candle, to symbolize the joy in our time of waiting.
And as we wait in faith, may God also answer our prayers and our questions about life, so that we will be filled with the joy of having faith in God.