Third Sunday of Advent
Mt 11:2-11
December 11, 2022

Several years ago, the television program The Antiques Roadshow was filmed on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. An old friend had tickets and invited me to go. Each person admitted to the event was allowed to bring two items for appraisal. I brought the violin that has remained silent for decades. It was my maternal grandfather’s…who was given it by his father, who may or may not have been the original owner. Both were accomplished players, I am told.

I vividly recall the spirit of the event. It was one of hopeful excitement. Things were very orderly and there was no pushing or shoving to get ahead in line. Everyone seemed patient and in good cheer as they waited to consult an expert who would evaluate their treasure.

When it was my turn to present the violin for appraisal, the expert put on a pair of white cloth gloves and gently…almost reverently…opened and carefully removed the instrument from its old leather case and began a close and methodical examination. He explained his observations as he moved along. He was actually able to identify what area of Germany the wood from which the violin was harvested. He verified that it was well over 100 years old, but in spite of its age, his expert opinion was that the only real value was sentimental.

This experience is brought to mind by the Gospel proclaimed on this 3rd Sunday of Advent. What we have here is a sort of “mutual authentication” between Jesus and John.

From his prison cell, John directs his disciples to “evaluate” Jesus. Of course, the best way to evaluate someone or something is to get up close and personal. Although a prisoner, wouldn’t you think that the mood on both sides of the “bars” was joyful excitement? Salvation was in the air. They needed only to confirm the feelings that were welling up within them.

For His part, by receiving, responding to, and returning John’s disciples to him, the Lord seems to be validating and placing great value on The Baptist’s contribution to His own mission.

But Jesus’s reply is also “Self-authenticating.” He uses His healing miracles as a way of assuring those John sent, as well as us today, that He truly is God’s promise fulfilled…The Messiah. However, then, as now, it is important to look deeper into these miraculous events to appreciate that they were more than physical healings.

THE BLIND REGAIN THEIR SIGHT…and so are able to see the image of God in all of creation…especially in other human beings.

THE LAME WALK…and as they move, they serve those in need, they spread the Good News as they go, and with each step, they move closer to The Kingdom.

LEPERS ARE CLEANSED…enabling them to rejoin the community, just as sinners are cleansed and return to fellowship at the Communion Table.

THE DEAF HEAR…and find comfort in God’s assurances of unconditional love…echoing that message to others.

THE DEAD ARE RAISED…even more miraculous than calling Lazarus from the tomb was the way in which Jesus’s message of peace, justice, and love reignited and continues to resuscitate the faith life in those who have gone cold.

AND THE POOR HAVE THE GOOD NEWS PROCLAIMED TO THEM…the Good News that no matter how worthless we might feel, or be made to feel by others, we are each treasured by our God.

This Gospel seems to be Jesus’s way of authenticating John’s role in Salvation History, while, at the same time, Self-authenticating Himself as The Messiah. But the miracles and the healings continue and someday will authenticate all those who “take no offense” at The Gospel but bring it to life by living it.

Someday, the Lord will gently and reverently remove them from the cases we call our earthly bodies and will lovingly examine them…healing and repairing every injury sustained through time in this world. And then they will be authenticated as priceless…and eternal…and they will join the heavenly choirs in giving Glory to God in the highest!