Third Sunday in Advent: Gospel, Luke 7:18-28                          

Luke 7:18-28

What do you doubt about God? His program? Perhaps even His Word? Why begin a meditation, especially in this blessed season, with questions like that? It might be taken as this author extolling doubt or at least lack of clarity. But that is not my desire. Our gospel this week entertains the issue of doubt and questioning the words and works of Jesus. And I do think if we are all honest to the bone we will admit that we have had our own doubts and uncertainties. I admit to you that during this very season I have a nagging question. I have asked the Lord about it. Many times. As of this writing I have not received a final resolution of heart. That is on me. Why? Because in walking through times of doubt, I have received the grace to begin to understand that, in the end, God is true. Always.

John the Baptist, held in a physical prison, gives questions for his disciples to ask the Master. I say “physical prison” because John’s heart and mind are free. How can that be if he has doubts? Perhaps it is because I believe John, and all of us have been freed to doubt and ask and query. Yes, free.

I know I belong to the Father through Jesus. I know my sins are forgiven. I know my destiny is sure. What I am still learning is how this reality weaves itself into my every day. “In Your light, we see light,” says the psalmist. Light in degrees? In varied shades? John does ask questions, but I sense not in belligerence, but wanting more light, more clarity. That’s what I want. Some days my questions don’t rise past my lips, but they are there. What John would hear and find is that His Master and ours does not retreat from our questions or doubting. He is in the midst of them just as surely as He was in the jail with His prophet. His Word gives light. That’s where John took his questions. And at the end of the day that’s where ours should go as well. And while we may not find light for every detail before us, we will find, without question, the Source of the Light we need.