“When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’” (Matthew 11:2-6)  I suppose that one cannot really blame John for having second thoughts.  After all his life had hardly flourished with the coming of his cousin, Jesus, the Messiah.  No, sitting in a prison cell, who can blame John for wondering if he might have been mistaken?  Over the years, I have had plenty of doubts in much more pleasant surroundings!  I find Jesus’ answer to John’s doubts to be quite interesting.  Notice what he does not do.  First, he does not criticize John for doubting.  Second, he does not call on the angels to set John free from prison!  No, he simply reminds him of the gracious work that he is doing.  Ever have any doubts (even during Advent!)?  Our Lord will not criticize you, nor will he necessarily save you from the difficult circumstances in which you find yourself.  But he will gently remind you and me of the good work which he continues to do and he will once again invite us to believe and to join him in that work.  I do not know about you, but I have noticed that it is easier for my doubts to arise when I neglect the places (and people) where Jesus is working.  This Advent season, are you spending time with those who are hurting; are you spending time with the poor?  Perhaps the best way to assuage our doubt is to look for Jesus again in the places that he tends to occupy.  Have a great week!