MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 14 DECEMBER
December 14, 2025
FEAST OF SAINT MARY DI ROSA – 15 DECEMBER
December 15, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
14 DECEMBER, 2025
Matthew 11:2-11
At that time, when John the Baptist heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him,
“Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”
And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John:
“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
What then did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Behold, those who wear soft garments are in kings’ houses.
What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
This is he of whom it is written,
‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.’
Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
John the Baptist, once so certain of his mission, now questions from a prison cell. His doubt is not a failure of faith but a cry born of suffering and waiting. Jesus does not rebuke him; instead, He points to signs of God’s kingdom already at work—healing, restoration, and good news for the poor. The Messiah may not arrive with the judgment John expected, but with mercy that transforms lives quietly and powerfully.
Jesus then turns to the crowd and affirms John’s greatness. John stood firm, not swayed by comfort or fear, faithfully preparing the way for Christ. Yet Jesus reveals a deeper mystery: life in the Kingdom is pure gift. Even the least who live in communion with Christ share in a grace beyond human achievement.
This Gospel invites us to trust God’s work even when it unfolds differently than we imagined, and to remain faithful in hope when answers seem delayed.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, when doubts rise within us and hope feels confined by our circumstances,
teach us to trust in Your quiet yet powerful work.
Help us to recognise Your presence in healing, compassion, and truth.
Give us the courage of John the Baptist to remain faithful,
and the humility to receive the grace of Your Kingdom as a gift.
Strengthen our hearts to wait in hope and to rejoice in Your saving love.
Amen
