The Great Saints experienced doubts, too

To me, today’s Gospel reading for this third Tuesday of Advent is perhaps the most gripping of any during Advent.

Matthew 11:3:  "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"

John the Baptist had been arrested and faced beheading.  So he sent his disciples to Jesus with this poignant question.  It’s important for us to know that John the Baptist, the New Testament prophet of Jesus, faced doubts in view of his grave circumstances.  And how could it have been otherwise?

Belief in Jesus does not guarantee that we will not face hardship, even during this joyous season.  Just remember that Jesus took on human nature in order to share all we experience and identify more closely with each of us.

We are not alone, brothers.  May we find hope from James 5:8 that reminds us:  "You must be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near."