Third Sunday of Advent: December 14, 2025
Readings: Isaiah 35:1–6, 10; Psalm 146:6–10; James 5:7–10; Matthew 11:2–11
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| Saint John the Baptist in Prison Visited by Two |
What is the factor that determines certainty? How can we be certain when someone says something that looks a bit strange or unusual? Today, fact-checking is becoming more common in the media as fake stories and narratives proliferate. There are fraudsters who often deceive those they perceive as "intelligent," "smart," and those in positions by sending links to their mobile devices via WhatsApp, SMS, or email. Many believe in these silly and most stupid things. You may not believe the person who is sitting next to you or your own colleague, but you cultivate such faith in an unknown person who is sitting somewhere else and sending fake messages, and you simply fall for that person. This issue of fact-checking is not just of today; even during the time of Jesus, people were using this element of ascertaining. We see in the liturgical readings of today, especially in the Gospel, that John the Baptist, even while sitting in prison, wants to ensure that Jesus, who is becoming a popular figure, is the right one about whom he was preaching.
1. From doubt to certainty - Believing in the right one
In the Gospel reading of today, Matthew 11:2–11, we see John the Baptist sitting in a dark prison cell. The prophet who once stood in the desert with fire in his voice is now surrounded by silence and uncertainty. From this place of confinement, a question rises from his heart regarding the person of Jesus about whom he has been preaching for long: “Are you the One who is to come, or shall we look for another?” Absolutely, a striking moment. The greatest prophet, the fearless spokesperson of the Messiah, now experiences the ache of doubt.
Advent brings this scene before us not to diminish John, but to remind us that even the faithful sometimes struggle to understand God’s ways. Faith, then, is not the absence of questions—it is the courage to bring those questions to Jesus. The Messiah gives an answer through his works, which were already predicted by the Prophet Isaiah earlier: the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the dead rise, and the poor receive hope. Jesus simply says, “Go and tell John what you hear and see.”
2. Clarifying and entering into the vision of God
Jesus appreciates the work done by John the Baptist. Jesus says to the crowd that John the Baptist is the greatest prophet of all time, and his prophecy is authentic and true. Jesus clarifies the doubts of John the Baptist; moreover, has beautiful things to say about him. Just because someone clarifies the doubt, it does not mean that the person is confused or lost respect. Making it clear or ascertaining the facts is part and parcel of the faith journey, as we are human and imperfect.
In many ways, we are like John. We, too, know what it is to feel imprisoned—by fear, by anxiety, by uncertainty about the future, by situations that do not seem to change. That's why the way that is before us may look ambiguous or uncertain. God may appear to us as absent. We may be drowned in our small thoughts and might lose sight of the greater vision of our life and God. Yet God is close, quietly weaving grace into the ordinary moments of our lives.
3. Rejoicing at the faithfulness of God
This Sunday is called Gaudete—Rejoice! Not because everything is perfect, but because God is faithful even when the path ahead is unclear. Christian joy is not a feeling that depends on circumstances; it is the deep assurance that the One who promised to come is already near, already working, already guiding.
John the Baptist never saw the Cross or the Resurrection. And yet Jesus praises him as the greatest born of women. Why? Because John remained faithful to his mission, even when he did not understand everything. His trust became his greatness. In this season, we are invited to the same trust. Advent asks us to open our eyes and soften our hearts, to recognise the quiet presence of God even in the places that feel dark or confusing. Advent invites us to become messengers of hope, just as John’s disciples became messengers for him.
Questions for self-reflection
- Where am I experiencing the prisons of fear or uncertainty?
- What signs of God’s presence am I being invited to notice?
- And to whom can I bring a little hope or comfort?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, as we stand in the quiet light of this Advent day, open our hearts to recognise Your presence in the simple and ordinary moments of our lives. Give us the honesty of John the Baptist, who brought his questions to You, and grant us the grace to see the signs of Your love already unfolding around us. Fill us with the gentle joy of this Gaudete Sunday—a joy that grows from trust, a joy that reminds us that You are near even when the path ahead is unclear. Make us instruments of hope for those who struggle, and teach us to carry Your compassion into the lives of those around us. Prepare our hearts for Your coming, so that when You arrive, You may find a place of welcome within us. Come, Lord Jesus, and fill us once again with Your peace, Your strength, and Your light. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.
- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ
11 December 2025
E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net
Blog: Celebrate Faith
Video: YouTube
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