In the second part of Advent, where we are now, the central figure is John the Baptist, the great precursor

(Preparer of the way) for Jesus' coming. In today's beautiful gospel we find John in prison, shortly before his death. It seems he doubted whether Jesus was truly the Messiah, and sent his disciples to question Him. Why? John, as Jesus Himself describes him, had an austere lifestyle and preached a challenging gospel of repentance. Jesus, in contrast, "ate and drank with sinners". Could this really be the expected Messiah? Or was John about to die for a mistake and in vain?

Jesus' response to John's question is a beautiful tribute to John the Baptist. In essence he says, "If John cannot understand my lifestyle and teaching, just tell him to trust me because of my wondrous messianic works and preaching." In another place Jesus echoes this in responding to the scribes and Pharisees: "If you don't believe my words, at least believe because of my works." The Jewish leaders cannot accept this; but Jesus has a beautiful confidence in John's faith. His response, as conveyed by the disciples, will be enough for John. He may not understand but he can trust God in faith.

All of us at times face the same challenge as John and the Pharisees. The crucial question is: Do we respond like the Jewish leaders, or can we trust the Lord, even in dark times, as the great John the Baptist did?