Waiting For The 'real Jesus,' Emmanuel
I present this “conversation” as one of John the Baptist’s disciples on mission to confirm Jesus’ real identity for John and for them.
Disciple: “Jesus, your imprisoned cousin, John, sends us to you with his urgent question: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”
Jesus: “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.”
Disciple: “Jesus, your words are surely the fulfillment of our beloved prophet of long ago, Isaiah. But how can we help John prepare the way for all people to recognize You as our longed-for Messiah?”
Jesus: “Your faith and love will help you be my Presence. You can live Isaiah’s message as I am here to do: ‘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 who comes with vindication; with Divine recompense God 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.’”
Disciple: We’ve heard about your miracles of healing and freeing whatever causes pain in God’s people’s lives. Please can you talk to me more about how we, John’s disciples, can go about your works to make you known and loved.? We are mostly simple folks.”
Jesus: “Thank you for being so willing. Let’s sit awhile, relax and talk this over. You may not be able to perform the so-called physical miracles; however, you are ready to act in surprising ways to touch the hearts, minds and souls of others. You can be a healer, because you have known God’s healing touch through others’ care for you. Just know that you are not alone; God’s spirit of Compassionate Goodness and Power abides in you.”
Disciple: “May my eyes be opened to be aware of the needs and wants of others.”
Jesus: “Yes, and don’t worry about what to say; your heart has a way to speak or be quiet.
Disciple: John has taught us your way to pray, and that’s the source of my trust and encouragement.”
Sister Gloria is a native of Vincennes and, for 58 years, a member of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind., where she now resides. Her ministries have included assignments in Vincennes, Jasper and Evansville. Her ministry in retirement involves prayer, hospitality, music and spiritual companionship, giving her time to relish memories of her ministries in the Diocese of Evansville. Scripture quotes are from Matthew 11 and Isaiah 35.
