December 14, 2025 at Saint Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples, FL
Isaiah 35: 1-6 + Psalm 146 + James 5: 7-10 + Matthew 11: 2-11
John the Baptist is with us again this week, but not standing on Jordan’s Banks. He sits in Herod’s prison wondering and struggling, not just about why Jesus does not come to his aid as he has for so many others, but because Herod still sits on his throne. He wonders why the Romans are still there, and why the God he expected to stoke the great fire is so very silent and still.
I don’t think any one of us has any difficulty understanding how John feels. We have all been there. On one level we are surrounded by Christmas lights and carols. Cookies, candy, and gifts of all kinds are being shared as we are invited to sing: “Joy to the World.” Then, we turn on the evening news and have every reason to share John’s feelings. We pray and pray and pray for some divine intervention to restore someone’s health, and they slip away from us leaving that feeling John has sitting in that prison alone. Nothing happens.
This Gospel today suggests that looking for Jesus in a crib or even in a Tabernacle might not be the right place, while Saint Paul encourages us to have the patience of farmers. The message Jesus sends back to John is sent to all of us who struggle and wonder about how long it is taking for the Kingdom of God to show itself, and how long it is taking for God to act. Maybe we are not looking around well enough.
Things are happening all around us, but in our impatience, we miss them. Because of research and wonderful discoveries, I am standing here at 83 with a medical condition that took my father’s life at 64. Many of us see clearly because cataracts have been removed. Every Tuesday, a powerful force of people armed with love are feeding homeless people right up the street. Missionaries are leaving their homes and families thousands of miles away to come here and serve our Church. Teachers sacrifice greater salaries and opportunities to help our children develop their potential. Every one of these examples, and there countless more, reveal the nativity and action of Christ among us.
It is not just Christ that has been born, but all creation is born again now able to participate in Divine Life. With the patience Saint Paul speaks of, we keep going. We keep praying. We keep living because we are the sign of God’s presence and action in this world. We cannot lose patience with ourselves. What we do out of love makes a difference. When we use our God-given talents in the care and service of others, there is no reason to wonder or struggle any longer like John in that prison.
With all the boldness of Jesus Christ, we must speak out in truth and act with audacity to continue the life-giving risky work of Christ. We need to consecrate time to ponder the Word of God to better understand God’s ways among us. We must reflect and pray with others who hear the same call. We live in a new creation born in Bethlehem, and we are called and expected to be the light that shows Christ among us.