First reading: Is. 35:1–6a,10

The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing.

Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; they will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.

Second reading: Jas. 5:7–10

Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Gospel: Mt. 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.”

In other words 

Fr. Herbert Scholz, SVD (Steyl, the Netherlands)

Before Christmas, not long ago, I got a video clip from Italy, a cartoon. It showed people in Christmas mood, busy preparing gifts, writing cards.

A voice was heard commenting on the scene, evidently the voice of Jesus. He wondered, “They are celebrating my birthday; they invite others and give gifts. But strange, I have not been invited to my birthday, no gifts for me. It seems they have forgotten me.”

I think we easily recognize the reason why someone made such a video. Christmas is the birthday of Jesus. But there is a danger that even in Christmas 2022, the most essential might be missing; of course, that will make our Christmas joy incomplete. Can we make Christmas better, more meaningful? Today’s Gospel does not directly mention the birth of Jesus Christ. But it gives us precious hints for a better Christmas.

The Gospel clearly mentions what is typical of Christmas: good things, gifts, given because Jesus is there. The list of gifts: “The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.” And Jesus adds, “Blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

All of these things point to Christmas. But the last two things have a particularly strong connection with Christmas.

The first of these two things comes after the enumeration of the healing of the blind, deaf, lame; namely, Jesus’ promise of “good news for the poor.” Today, I think, with these words, Jesus wants to tell us, “Don’t forget the poor this Christmas!” Let them, too, share in the good things, not only the economically poor, but also those who are in a miserable condition.

The second thing strongly connected with Christmas refers to Jesus himself and begins with the words “Blessed, happy.” “Blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” Taking offense means feeling annoyed, keeping away from the person, refusing any contact. Jesus knew that some would not think of him. Therefore, at the height of the Christmas preparations, we are reminded with these words, “Don’t forget Jesus this Christmas!” On Christmas, those who are close to Jesus will be truly happy, having a crib, giving time to prayer and Mass.

The two things so important for a truly happy Christmas, which today’s Gospel highlights, are already present in the first Christmas. The good news of Christ’s birth was first announced to the poor, the shepherds. And the first thing the shepherds did was to look for Jesus himself.

This Christmas, don’t forget the poor, and don’t forget Jesus himself.