Reflections on Scripture | Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel
Matthew 11:11-15

Jesus said to the crowds:
"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.
From the days of John the Baptist until now,
the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence,
and the violent are taking it by force.
All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John.
And if you are willing to accept it,
he is Elijah, the one who is to come.
Whoever has ears ought to hear."

Reflection

All of the prophets were speaking of a mystery that would only unfold when Jesus entered into the world. The thing that makes John the Baptist the greatest of the Old Testament prophets is because he's the one who announced the solution, the hope, the dream of all those who struggle with sin before him. And when you see John's role as the one who's the announcer, you can feel in your very being this amazing anticipation of finally, finally a way to deal with all that we struggle with, especially with sin.

Closing Prayer

Father, The beauty of John the Baptist is also the fact that he knew very much that he was there not to be like Jesus, do what he does, but simply to prepare people for the work that Jesus could do within the others that he touched with his presence. Bless us always with that spirit of recognizing that all things that we do, all gifts that we pray for are there, not coming from us, but through you, from us. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross