Sharing Guidelines
*Sharing is not a time for teaching or debate; it is a time to sense the marvelous work of the Holy Spirit who leads the gathering.
*Reflection sharing is not meant to teach others but to share the meaning you personally have discovered. Therefore, do not criticize or debate another person’s sharing. Avoid boasting of your own understanding or knowledge.
*Respect the grace of the Holy Spirit, who reveals the meaning of the Word while dwelling among us, and listen attentively to others’ sharing, holding it in your heart.
*Keep confidential any personal reflections or stories shared in the group; practicing brotherly love means not passing along private matters outside the meeting.
*When speaking, always use the first person singular (“I”). Be careful not to distance or generalize your story by using the third person (“he,” “they”) or the first person plural (“we”).
*Keep it short.
Gospel
Matthew 11:2-11
When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ,
he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question,
“Are you the one who is to come,
or should we look for another?”
Jesus said to them in reply,
“Go and tell John what you hear and see:
the blind regain their sight,
the lame walk,
lepers are cleansed,
the deaf hear,
the dead are raised,
and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.
And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”
As they were going off,
Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John,
“What did you go out to the desert to see?
A reed swayed by the wind?
Then what did you go out to see?
Someone dressed in fine clothing?
Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.
Then why did you go out? To see a prophet?
Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
This is the one about whom it is written:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
he will prepare your way before you.
Amen, I say to you,
among those born of women
there has been none greater than John the Baptist;
yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
Today’s Reflection
In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist, who was in prison, sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” John had probably heard stories about Jesus and felt that He was different from the Messiah he had imagined. Why did John start to have these doubts?
John preached in the desert, telling people to repent because God’s judgment was near. He focused so much on God’s justice that he began to see God mainly as someone who punishes and judges.
But Jesus showed a very different side of God. He taught love and forgiveness, and He welcomed everyone — even sinners. Because of this, some people criticized Him, saying, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same; but yours eat and drink.” (Luke 5:33).
Jesus, who is love itself, showed that God is not someone to fear. He gave hope to those who felt abandoned because of their sins. “The blind can see, the deaf can hear, and the poor receive the good news.”
Finally, Jesus taught that knowing and doing God’s will is what truly matters. He said, “Among those born of women, there is no one greater than John the Baptist; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Let us also try our best to live according to Jesus’ words and actions. (김준철 토마스 아퀴나스 신부)
Sharing
1. Let’s talk about a word or phrase from today’s reflection that touched your heart.
2. In today’s reflection, John thought Jesus was different from the Messiah he expected. Have you ever felt unsure about your faith in Jesus? Let’s think about why that happened and how we can make our faith in Jesus stronger.