Daily Gospel Reflection for December 11, 2022: Third Sunday of Advent

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Margaret Ann Stimatz

Today's Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11

“Go and tell John what you hear and see.”

In prison, had John grown discouraged and depressed? Here, he doubts whether Jesus is really the Messiah, so he sends disciples to ask him. Jesus does not disappoint. “Go and tell John what you hear and see,” he says; and to amplify his point, Jesus rolls out a highlight reel of his choicest healings and miracles.

Today, with Christmas nearly upon me, what do I hear and see? Am I bogged down by secular talk and tunes, an onslaught of last-minute ads, roadways jammed with shoppers, or a tree in my home bare and begging for decoration? In the midst of whatever bombardment I face, it’s easy to feel stressed and depressed in this season.

But Jesus wants me—as he wanted John’s disciples—to rest my ears and my eyes upon Him, and to behold His miracles. Jesus knows that what I hear and what I see matters. What I focus on gets bigger.

Today I can choose to replace negativity with peace by tuning in to sounds and images that focus on Jesus. I will play a beautiful piece of Advent or Christmas music, meditating upon the words, and perhaps singing along.

One such composition, with lyrics reminiscent of those in today’s Scripture verse—is “Do You Hear What I Hear?” (Regney & Baker, October, 1962). Whatever I choose, I will ask Jesus to allow its lyrics and melody to give wings to my heart and peace to my soul.

Ponder:

What piece of music will I choose today to help me shift my focus to Jesus?

Pray:

Lord, please help me use the gift of music to turn my focus towards You, even as I plunge back into the rush of the day.

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It's easy to feel stressed and depressed in this season. #dailygospel

Copyright 2022 Margaret Ann Stimatz

Margaret Ann Stimatz has contributed freelance articles to a number of Catholic magazines. She has recently completed her first book manuscript, Honey from the Rock: Forty Reflections for Troubled Eaters.