Recognizing the Signs

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." (Mt 11: 2-11)

In answer to John the Baptist, Jesus responds that extraordinary events are taking place –    the healing of lepers and even the resurrection of the dead – at the same time as the preaching of the Gospel. These events give testimony and substantial confirmation that it is to Him that the prophecies refer when they speak of the Coming Messiah. In turn, Jesus gives testimony that the Baptist is the greatest among those who are born of woman prior to Him, He who is forever the greatest of all: only in Jesus do the Law and Prophets find fulfillment. With the help of our spritual father we seek to recognize the signs that Jesus has sown in our life, and then to follow His plan for us without fear.