Facing execution, John the Baptist felt the need to look for some answers. “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” John’s question to Jesus was not posed merely to clarify a religious belief. The issue was much more personal: “Was all my life of sacrifice and toil worthwhile? Did I make the right choice to put you ahead of me? Do these sufferings have meaning, or did I fail in my mission?”
In the first part of today’s gospel passage, we see that John is imprisoned. Upon not receiving any news about exciting interventions from Jesus, the Baptist’s faith begins to waver. How did these perplexities come to him? The answer is quite simple.
The Macau Catholic Culture Association wants the Christmas manger to become a familiar presence in the homes of local Catholics. The organization has launched a competition to choose Macau’s most beautiful Nativity scenes. The association is also selling a 12-day Advent Calendar that allows for the creation of a complete Christmas crèche.