In the face of so much suffering and evil in the world, many find themselves questioning the reality of God’s presence and His plan for salvation. This feeling of doubt is not new. In fact, even Saint John the Baptist, while imprisoned, questioned whether Jesus was truly the promised Redeemer. But in response, Jesus did not offer a direct affirmation but pointed to the fruits of His mission—healing, restoration, and salvation. "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news preached to them" (Matthew 11:4-5). These words remind us that God's work is evident in the transformation of lives and the good that is being done in His name. This article explores the power of faith in times of doubt, the call to live out Christian charity, and how we can find hope and purpose in the fruits of God's work.
When John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He was truly the Redeemer, Jesus responded by highlighting the fruits of His actions. He pointed to the tangible signs of His power: the healing of the blind, the walking of the lame, the raising of the dead, and the evangelization of the poor. These are not just miracles of the past; they represent the ongoing work of Christ in the world today. His mission is not only to save us spiritually but also to transform the brokenness we see in the world, to heal the physical and spiritual ailments of humanity.
In a world filled with suffering, it is easy to question whether God is truly present. But Jesus' response to John serves as a reminder that God's presence is not always marked by grand gestures but by the everyday acts of healing, kindness, and love that are witnessed in the world. These fruits of salvation—mercy, forgiveness, and transformation—are signs that Jesus is still at work today, bringing hope to those who need it most.
Jesus calls us to participate in His mission by sowing good wherever we go. "Siembra mucho, siembra a manos llenas el bien; no se perderá en la tierra; fructificará siempre para el cielo" ("Sow abundantly, sow good with open hands; it will not be lost on the earth; it will always bear fruit for heaven"). This call to action challenges us to not only focus on our own spiritual growth but also to bring about positive change in the lives of others.
In a world filled with imperfections, flaws, and difficulties, Jesus teaches us that our actions of love, charity, and service will not go unnoticed. Even when the world seems filled with injustice and suffering, each act of kindness, each act of correction, and each act of faith contributes to the greater good. Our small efforts, rooted in faith and guided by love, are seeds that will bear fruit in heaven.
As we strive to live as faithful disciples of Jesus, we are also called to embody Christian charity in all aspects of our lives. "La caridad cristiana obliga a todos a la corrección fraterna" ("Christian charity obliges everyone to fraternal correction"). While it’s easy to point out the flaws in others, Jesus calls us to correct with love and compassion. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the faults in others; we are called to help them grow and improve through our loving and gentle correction. This act of fraternal correction, done with love, reflects Jesus' own approach to guiding His followers, helping them to align their lives with God's will.
Christian charity means working for the good of others—whether they are friends, family, or even strangers. It’s about seeing others as God sees them, with mercy, patience, and love, and offering them the support they need to overcome their weaknesses and struggles. By doing so, we participate in the transformation that Jesus came to bring to the world.
Despite the imperfections and evils that surround us, we must not lose sight of the ultimate hope that Jesus offers. His mission is to heal, to redeem, and to restore the world. In the face of adversity, we are reminded that Jesus is still at work in the world, transforming hearts and bringing light to the darkness. Through our faith, love, and acts of charity, we become instruments of His work, bringing healing and hope to those around us.
The prayer at the end of the passage, "Amén. Dios los bendiga siempre queridos hermanos en Cristo Jesús" ("Amen. May God bless you always, dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus"), is a reminder that we are all part of the same mission. Through our shared faith, we can help bring about the fruits of salvation in the world, one act of love at a time.
The question of whether Jesus is the promised Redeemer is answered not by words alone but by the fruit of His work in the world. As followers of Christ, we are called to participate in this mission of healing, love, and transformation. Through our faith, our charity, and our acts of fraternal correction, we help bring the Kingdom of God to earth. Even in the face of evil and suffering, we can trust that God is at work, sowing seeds of goodness and redemption in every corner of the world.
Reflect on how you can sow goodness and charity in your own life today. Whether through acts of kindness, helping others in need, or offering gentle correction, let your actions reflect the love and mercy of Christ. Share this message with others and encourage them to participate in the mission of healing and transformation, trusting that God is at work in our lives and in the world.
