READING FOR THE 3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT...

Matthew 11...
Jesus and John the Baptist

1. After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.

2. When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples

to ask him,

3. "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"

4. Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see:

5. The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[b]are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

6. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."

7. As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind?

8. If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces.

9. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

10. This is the one about whom it is written: " 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'
11. I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.
13. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.

14. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.
15. He who has ears, let him hear.