In this Sunday’s gospel, we see John the Baptist in prison hearing reports of Jesus’ work and questioning if he (Jesus) is the Messiah.
When reflecting on John’s words, one might wonder why someone so important to Jesus’ would express such a doubtful question.
If we take a closer look at John’s situation, he is in prison waiting for his execution and being informed that Jesus is helping the poor, vulnerable and sick. Although noble work, this may not match up to what John expected a Messiah to do.
John’s doubtful questioning of Jesus is not dissimilar to many of us in our own lives in moments of hardship or struggle. For some, when we do not see what we expect from God, we might question His greatness or look for significant and grand signs of his existence.
For example, the current war in Ukraine where thousands of people are praying daily for peace. I, myself have heard a number expressions of doubt in God from a variety of people in my life.
However, when we reflect on the words Jesus shares with the crowd following his question from John the Baptist, we see Him continue to praise him (John the Baptist) and hold him in the highest of regard. – “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist”. Furthermore, Jesus follows this up by stating “yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
As such, one could suggest that the message for us in this week’s gospel is that God will continue to love us in our moments of doubt and that although we do not know His ways, we must keep faith in Him.