When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:

“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way before you.’

11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.


Image

St. John the Baptist in Prison, Visited by Salomé,
Drawing possibly by Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, 1591–1666),
Mid 17th century,
brown ink and iron gall ink with brown wash
20.5 x 25.6 cm (8 1/16 x 10 1/16 in.)
© Princeton University Art Museum. Gift of Nathan V. Hammer

You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction.

George Lorimer