Saint John of the Cross
LK 7:18B-23
The disciples of John reported all these things to him. So John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ When the men had come to him, they said, ‘John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” ’ Jesus* had just then cured many people of diseases, plagues, and evil spirits, and had given sight to many who were blind.
And he answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers* are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.’
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
What Form of Christ Do You Seek?
Our country is politically divided. I often wonder when we were ever politically united. Sometimes division occurs because of opposing ideas for what is and what should be. I have notions about the kind of leader our country needs, and so do my neighbor, colleague, and the stranger I meet at the grocery store.
In Jesus’ time, there were opinions about a liberating Messiah. Some wanted a political heavyweight, others a soldier. What we received was even better news! We received a Messiah that was for the sick, the disabled, the lost, the sinners, the poor, and the dead. This is Jesus for the marginalized, and for you and for me! What good news indeed!
This Advent, let’s ask ourselves if we’re longing for Jesus to profoundly break into our lives, or are we waiting for another form of Christ that better suits our needs.
—Damian Torres-Botello, SJ, is a Jesuit Scholastic of the Midwest Province studying theology at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry; he will be ordained a priest on June 10, 2023.
Prayer
Helpful God, you gave St. Ignatius the wisdom to rummage through his day to find your presence in daily life. Grant me the grace to locate the work of your Son throughout my day, revealing to me the Good News of your love and liberation. I ask this, through the compassionate and loving name of Jesus, Amen.
—Damian Torres-Botello, SJ