Matthew 11:2-11John in his prison had heard what Christ was doing and he sent his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or have we got to wait for someone else?’ Jesus answered, ‘Go back and tell John what you hear and see; the blind see again, and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised to life and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor; and happy is the man who does not lose faith in me.’

As the messengers were leaving Jesus began to talk to the people about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the breeze? No? Then what did you go out to see? A man wearing fine clothes? Oh no, those who wear fine clothes are to be found in palaces. Then what did you go out for? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet: he is the one of whom scripture says: Look I am going to send my messenger before you ; he will prepare your way before you. I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.’

 Reflection

John the Baptist had a deep and passionate understanding of his role as the messenger who would herald and prepare the way for “the one who is to come”, the long awaited Messiah.  John made such an impact in the community that the authorities attempted to disempower him by putting him in prison.  Through his disciples John asked Jesus ‘Are you the one who is to come, or have we got to wait for someone else?’ which sounds as if John was asking if his mission as “the messenger” had been accomplished. The answer Jesus sent him must have reassured John as he faced certain death, that the Christ had indeed come, and he could leave the next phase to him. 

John was a powerful and compelling figure, drawing crowds wherever he went, but at no stage did he lose sight of his role as the messenger. If his ego had taken over he could have proclaimed himself as a prophet, or even as the Messiah. His belief in his role as the messenger was so strong that he always focused the attention of his disciples and the curious crowds on ‘the one who is to come’, not on himself. 

It is a special gift to be able to put one’s ego aside in order to play a supporting role in another person’s life. ‘Preparing the way’ for another to achieve their role in life is what parenthood and grandparenthood are about. It is an inter-generational gift in which the wisdom, energy and experience of an older generation supports a young person finding his or her way in life.  ‘Preparing the way’ is also an essential element in true friendship, in which supporting a friend in achieving a goal is as important as achieving our own goals.  

Behind every child who masters some tricky maths, who improves in spelling, or who conquers a personal hurdle, there is a John the Baptist person, a teacher, parent or grandparent who helps them assume their role in life. Behind every adult who takes a significant personal step forward there is likely to be a John the Baptist person, an enabler, in the wings.  

As we move into the second half of Advent let us rejoice in the people who have been enablers for us, and let them know, if we can, how deeply we appreciate their role in our lives. At the same time let us pray for the generosity, humility and wisdom we need in order to be enablers for others, helping to prepare their way in life as John the Baptist did for Jesus.