Third Sunday of Advent – 14 December 2025
– You can ponder on the picture. For a method of praying with pictures click button below.
– You can pray on the words of Scripture. For methods of praying with scripture click button below.
– You can follow the suggestions in the daily ‘Reflection’.
– You can listen to the music
Today’s Scripture
Matthew 11:2-11 ESV
When John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him,
‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’
And Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk,
lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.
And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.’
As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. ‘What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.” ‘Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.’
Reflection
A major theme of Advent, echoed in the readings for today, is waiting. Waiting for God’s kingdom to come fully, for the return of Christ. Waiting can be extremely hard and may lead us to question and doubt whether God is working after all. ‘How long, O Lord, do we need to wait?’ may be our question. John exemplifies this in today’s Gospel. Languishing in prison, John began to wonder whether Jesus was the God-promised one after all, feeling that Jesus was taking his time in bringing in the promised kingdom.
Perhaps part of the invitation to us today is to reflect on how John responded to those questions and doubts. He expressed his questions to Jesus honestly. He asked Jesus what he wanted to know.
What questions, uncertainties, doubts are around for you just now?
Take some time to bring these honestly into conversation with Jesus, with God, being sure to allow yourself space to listen for how Jesus may respond.
Today’s Music
How Long, O Lord – Jordan Kauflin
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