Breaking Open the Word: Gospel Reading

The same reading was used during the liturgy Sunday Morning.

Matthew 11:1-19 (free translation)

(alternative translations)

John in prison sent his own disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we wait for another?”

Jesus answered, “Go back and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind see again, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the wretched of this earth learn that God is on their side. Is this what you were waiting for? If so, you are most blessed!”

As they left, Jesus began to talk to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? No? A man dressed in fine clothes? Oh, no, those who wear fine clothes live in mansions. Did you go out to see a prophet? Yes, and even more than a prophet....

“Let me tell you what is going on here: No one in history is greater than John the Baptist, yet in the new order that he is announcing, the lowliest person is greater than he.

“For a long time people have tried to bring about this new order by domination, thinking it can be attained by coercion, but John the Baptist is the turning point. He is the return of Elijah that you have been expecting. If you can hear, hear!

“What description can I find for this generation? You are like children shouting to each other in the market place: ‘We played pipes for you and you wouldn't dance; we sang dirges for you and you wouldn't lament.’ You find an excuse to avaid every call to change.

“Just remember, John came neigher eating nor drinking and you said, ‘He is possessed!’ The Human One now comes eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and public sinners.’ This is nothing but talk.

“Wisdom will show itself in action.”