THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR A) 15th December, 2019

Reflection:

DID JOHN HAVE DOUBTS ? John the baptiser is in prison. His preaching days are over. But a group of his loyal followers are still with him. He has already proclaimed “There is one coming after me, who is greater than I”, and on seeing Jesus at the Jordan, John had said “Behold the Lamb of God”. Big statements. Strong conviction. Absolute surety. How can John convince his disciples to transfer their allegiance to the Messiah ? He sends them back to Jesus “Go and ask him if he is the one, or must we look for another “ John doesn’t need the answer – he knows it already. His supporters are the ones who need convincing. Jesus could have answered in three simple words: “Yes, I am”. Both Jesus and John knew each other so well they could read between the (verbal) lines. If it was proof positive they wanted, they would get it in the most powerful depiction all Israelites knew – a direct quotation from the Prophet Isaiah: “Go and tell John what you see – the blind see, the deaf hear again, the lame walk . . . “ John didn’t have doubts. His faithful followers needed and deserved, and got, a life-changing message. Sr Delia

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: Alarm systems have been installed at St. Peter’s office area and McKenna Centre. Please do not enter church, St. Peter’s office area & McKenna Centre before 7am and after 10pm any day as you will set off the alarm which is monitored.

LAST APPEAL FOR THE YEAR IS THIS WEEKEND IN OUR THREE CHURCHES FOR MELBOURNE OVERSEAS MISSIONS APPEAL

Advent Calendar—Trinity Parish Reconciliation Service—2nd Rite

St. Paul’s—Wed. 18th Dec. 7:30pm

St. Peter’s—Thurs. 19th Dec. 7:30pm

Christmas Calendar Holy Trinity Parish

Christmas Eve—Family Masses—St Peter’s—5pm

St Catherine’s—6pm, St Paul’s—7pm Youth Mass—St Peter’s—9pm

Midnight Mass—St Peter’s—Midnight

Christmas Day—St Peter’s 8.30am, 10.30am

St Paul’s 9.30am (Carols at 9.15am) St Catherine’s 9.30am

Holy Trinity Parish Review booklets ‘Your feedback’ ‘Our discernment’ ‘The decision’

Available at the back of the Church.

MELBOURNE OVERSEAS MISSION APPEAL ST PETER’S $1,172.05 ST PAUL’S $876.75 ST CATHERINE’S $755.75

Thank you for your generosity

OUR MASS TIMETABLE (Subject to change)

OUR PEOPLE & OUR CONTACT DETAILS

Priests: Jacob MST, Paul Gurry, Clem Cafarella, Bill Goldman (supply)

Pastoral Associates: Matilde Chia, Drusilla Gonsalvez, Carmel Dyt, Delia Donahoe (OLSH), Liz Liston, Parish Manager: Libby Thomas

St. Peter’s Church, East Bentleigh OFFICE HOURS (Mon - Fri) 9am - 3pm

844 Centre Road, East Bentleigh 3165 Ph: 9579 4255 Fax: 9570 4288 office@holytrinityparish.org.au Pastoral Associates: Carmel Dyt, Delia Donahoe, Liz Liston

Secretaries: Marion Quinn Trish Richards Sacramental Teachers Lidia Boschini Betty DeMarco Stewardship Program: Keith Gonsalvez

St. Peter’s Primary

School—9575 0909

Michael Hanney - Principal

St. Catherine’s Church, Moorabbin

2 Buchan Street, Moorabbin 3189 Ph: 9555 4242

office@holytrinityparish.org.au Attention: St. Catherine’s

St. Catherine’s Primary School - 9555 7200

Lynda O’Donnell Principal Carmel Donlon - REL Administration: Cate James

Emergency: Please call St. Peter’s and leave a message as we regularly attend this phone—03 9579 4255

St. Paul’s Church, Bentleigh OFFICE HOURS (Mon - Fri) 9am - 3pm

122 Jasper Road, Bentleigh 3204 Ph: 9557 1165 Fax: 9503 4575 stpaulbentleigh@bigpond.com

Pastoral Associates: Matilde Chia, Drusilla Gonsalvez

Secretary: Libby Thomas

St. Paul’s Primary School 9557 7130 Catherine Tammesild Principal

Matilde Chia - REL

RECONCILIATION: 1/2 hr before each mass

HOLY TRINITY PARISH WEB PAGE: www.holytrinityparish.org.au EMAIL: office@holytrinityparish.org.au

Holy Trinity Parish Schools

Principal Co-ordinator: Michael Juliff Mission & Faith Leader: Edward Dooley

WEEK COMMENCING 16th December, 2019

Mon

9:30am Communion

Service St. Paul’s

10:00am Mass St. Peter’s

11:00am Funeral Mass Bartolina Natoli

St Peter’s

Tues 10:00am Mass St. Paul’s

Wed

10:00am Mass St Catherine’s

9:30am Communion

Service St. Paul’s

10:00am No Communion

Service until 5th Feb

St. Peter’s

10:30am Funeral Mass Rosalia Rufolo

St Peter’s

Thurs 10am Mass St. Paul’s

Fri 10:00am Mass

Sat

8:00am Communion

Service St. Peter’s

8.30am

Mass St Catherine’s

6.00pm Mass St. Paul’s

6.30pm Mass St. Peter’s

Sun

8.30am Mass St. Peter’s

Mass St Catherine’s

9.30am Mass St. Paul’s

10.30am Mass St. Peter’s

Mass St Catherine’s

5:30pm Mass St Peter’s

Collections: Last weekend 7th & 8th December, 2019

Community Stewardship Presbytery

St. Peter’s $4,649 $1,594.60

St. Paul’s $800 $542.45

St. Catherine’s $482 $362.50

ST. PAUL’S ADORATION: Thursday 10:45-11:45am

ST. CATHERINE’S: Rosary Saturday mornings after Mass

H.T.P. BASP COLLECTION (so far) $1,762.00

MELBOURNE OVERSEAS MISSION ST PETER’S $1,172.05 ST PAUL’S $876.75 ST CATHERINE’S $755.75

mailto:stpaulbentleigh@bigpond.commailto:stpaulbentleigh@bigpond.commailto:stpaulbentleigh@bigpond.com

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME 2019

Through Baptism: We congratulate—Amber Lazaga, daughter of Alfredo & Aliberth, Hayden Tesoriero, son of Christopher & Hoa, Amelia Kleeman, daughter of Jared & Teresa at St. Peter’s.

We thank their families for bringing these children to

Baptism and support them as they commence their journey of faith.

GENERAL NOTICES

St. Vincent de Paul CHRISTMAS APPEAL MOORABBIN/BENTLEIGH & EAST BENTLEIGH CONFERENCES.

Thank you for your generous support of St Vincent de Paul conferences at Trinity Parish. We are hoping your generosity may to continue for our "SPECIAL EFFORT for CHRISTMAS" to distribute to those needy people we visit throughout the year. If you are able to help, a "Christmas Tree" with gift tags suggestions will again be in all three Churches during Advent. We are asking for Christmas non-perishable food to fill our Hampers e.g. Tins of ham, Christmas Cake, Cans of fruit, Biscuits, Chocolate, Sweets, Bath Towels, “NEW” toiletries · Retail Gift Vouchers. MOORABBIN/BENTLEIGH CONFERENCE: This year in place of TOYS we will be giving RETAIL GIFT VOUCHERS, as we find this is more suitable. EAST BENTLEIGH CONFERENCE will receive BOTH toys and RETAIL GIFT VOUCHES. Donations will need to be left at the Churches by the weekend 14th/15th December to enable distribution. Please note we only give “NEW GIFTS” this time of the Year. Cash donations maybe left in the “POOR BOXES” in all Churches or there are St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal envelopes in all Churches. We thank you sincerely for your support. God Bless.

Australian Catholics—Summer edition 2019-2020 are available at all churches.

Cabrini Malvern Communion Ministry Volunteers Needed

Are you interested in providing assistance to Cabrini Pastoral and Bereavement Services De-partment

as a Holy Communion Ministry Volunteer? This work involves distributing Communion to Catholic pa-tients at Cabrini Malvern, preferably on Thursdays or Fridays. If this appeals to you please contact Therese Proy on 9508 1927 or tproy@cabrini.com.au. No experience needed. Cabrini Health provides extensive

orientation and ongoing training for volunteers.

HOLY TRINITY PARISH SOCIALS 2020 A new committee has been established by Fr Jacob to arrange 3 Major Social Events within the Holy Trinity Parish in 2020. The committee consists of representatives from each community; Bev Claudius & Ajay Yeddanapalli (St Paul’s); Tanya Carneiro, Luke Dalle Nogara & Loretta Rayen. (St Peter’s), Maureen & Bernard Gill, Marta Nowak (St Catherine’s) . The aim of this committee is to bring each c ommunity together, through a range of functions. Please mark in the following event dates in your 2020 Diaries: PARISH PICNIC: FEBRUARY 23 HIGH TEA: MAY 3 SPANISH FIESTS: JULY 25

GENERAL NOTICES (Cont’d)

CHRISTMAS EVE MASS – Sadly for the first time in many years we will not have the Nativity Pageant. We will however have ‘live music’ to enhance the Liturgy, should the children wish, it would be lovely to have them come in suitable costume.

ST. CATHERINE’S NOTICES

CRAFTY LADIES STALL AND RAFFLE RESULTS - We wish to thank you all for your ongoing support this Stall and Raffle netted $2552.00 making a total of $8163.00 donated this year and since we commenced giving to St Vincent de Paul Society in June 2012 the Grand Total is $45,805. Winners of our Raffle were: C. Taylor, F. Gill, M. McComisky, F. Hutchins and A. Kelly.

VOCATION VIEW: Third Sunday in Advent : “As your models in suffering hardships and in patience, friend, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” (James5:10) A vocation is responding to the call of God.

Used Stamps I collect used stamps and forward them on to the Sisters of St Joseph, who use them to raise funds for the Mary MacKillop project in Peru. Last year they raised $68,000. For those of us who still send and recieve letters, please can you save your stamps for me. There is a tin in the back porch at St Paul's. Or if you are unable to drop them off I can col-lect them from you. Thank you, Carmel Merrey 0409 682 602

A Profoundly Rewarding Mission Working in Education, Health and Trades? Assist to reduce poverty in overseas communities by sharing your skills. Mutual development assured! There are five places left on Palms Australia’s January 4th – 12th Orientation Course.

You must apply now for a position beginning any time in 2020. Call or text 0422 4PALMS (M-F). palms.org.au

At this Christmas when Christ comes, will He find a warm heart?

Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving others with God’s own love and concern.

Mother Teresa, “Love: A fruit always in season”

‘Thank You’ BASP: Many thanks to the many parishioners who bought Advent gift cards for asylum seekers and refugees. This time of the year puts an enormous demand on the project and your generosity is very much appreciated. There are still cards available from the PAs at mass. A special thank you to Sr. Judy Bellesini for designing the cards and St Peter’s School (Trish Ticca) for printing them. So far we have sent $17,72 to BASP.

https://www.palms.org.au/assignments-abroad/current-opportunities/https://www.palms.org.au

ST. PAUL’S NOTICES

INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON NOTICE BOARDS

In the Boxes at the doors:

School Newsletter can be found on: www.trinityparishschools.catholic.edu.au/aura/

st-pauls/latest/

CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY MASS:

Children Participation:

At the Christmas Eve Family Mass, 7.00pm (preceded by Carols at 6:30pm) All children are asked to dress as a character from the Biblical Christmas story. We also invite the children to be involved in the Mass in a variety of ways – some with speaking roles - the introduction and the prayers, others acting out the story.

Please note: Final Rehearsal for our Christmas Eve Family Mass will be held on Monday, 23rd December from 10am-11.00a.m.

This is a call to all children wanting to be involved in this Mass. Please contact Matilde at the Parish Office on 9557 1165.

ATTENTION — DOOR CLOSURE:

As of the weekend of the 30th November/1st

December we will be closing the Higgins Road side

entry door into the Hall (near the toilets) for Child

Safety Reasons. After Mass has started please enter

the Church through the other doors.

We apologise if this is inconvenient for some

parishioners but we are thinking of the children’s

safety during Mass, if they need to attend the toilet.

ADVENT CEREMONIES:

Our Reconciliation — 2 Rite will be Wednesday

night, 18th December at 7.30pm. All are wel-

come to attend .

URGENT REQUEST FOR ACCOMMODATION:

A Female Parishioner and young school age child are

looking for urgent accommodation in the Bentleigh

area. A granny flat or bungalow would be great or a

room with own bathroom. Happy to pay reasonable

rent. If you can assist please contact St. Paul’s office

on 9557 1165. Thank you.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL—

MOORABBIN/BENTLEIGH:

As Christmas fast approaches we are preparing to

collect goods for our Christmas Hampers which we

distribute to those needy people we visit throughout

the year. A Christmas Tree will be placed in the

Church at the start of December, laden with gift sug-

gestions. We will again be asking for Christmas Fare

to fill the Hampers e.g. tins of Ham, Christmas Cake,

cans of Fruit, Biscuits, Chocolate, Sweets, Bath Tow-

el, “NEW” toiletries, and Retail Gift Vouchers. This

year in place of TOYS we will be giving RETAIL GIFT

VOUCHERS, as we find this is more suitable.

Please note we only give “NEW GIFTS” this time of

the Year. Cash donations maybe left in the “POOR

BOXES” in the Church, or there are St. Vincent de

Paul envelopes in both Churches. We thank you sin-

cerely for your support. God Bless.

Next meetings: Moorabbin/Bentleigh: Mon. 16th December, 7pm, Sweeney Centre, St. Catherine’s Bentleigh East: Mon. 16th December 7pm, Green Room, St Peter’s

If you are interested in helping those we assist, you are most welcome to join the friendly groups. Contacts: Bentleigh/Moorabbin- Randolph 0414 440 024, Bentleigh East: Cathie 0402 202 975. For respectful & confidential assistance with food, bedding, clothing, furniture & bills, in times of need

pls call 1800 305 330.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

CHRISTMAS CARD DELIVERY:

Thank you to all parishioners who

participated in Fr. Clem’s Christmas

cards

again this year. If you have any cards

that were undelivered due to parishioner no long-

er at that address, please return the cards to the

http://www.google.com.au/url?url=http://web.shcoakleigh.catholic.edu.au/faith-and-mission/index.cfm%3Floadref%3D10&rct=j&frm=1&q=&esrc=s&sa=U&ei=yXaTVNmQCYLn8gWBx4HwBw&ved=0CB4Q9QEwAw&usg=AFQjCNEVj_Na3tfizy9vyX9ERlYWTCPDGA

Volunteers needed: Speak to PA at mass or ring Parish 1. Helpers to go on roster for funeral hospitality. 2. Helpers to go on roster to run our computer at

5:30pm mass on Sunday. 3. Helpers to assist in washing the chalices after

10:30am mass

4. Helpers needed for Sacristan duty—1 Saturday about every three months in the morning—1 hour—Please ring Marj 9570 5544.

MEETINGS/FUNCTIONS THIS WEEK

See McKenna Notice Board & Pamphlet Stand

ST. PETER’S NOTICES

PIETY STALL:

Columban calendars $8 each, a variety of Christmas cards,

Break Open the Word ($24), Daily Missals ($24) & Sacred Space ($25) are now

available.

We are open after Sunday Masses. Proceeds from sales go to the

St. Vincent de Paul

Local Gardening & Cleaning Service: Pls call Gianni 0408 754 108

St. Andrew’s Clayton South: Carols by Candlelight 2019, 7th Dec. 6:45pm, School Hall, 96 Bunney Road & New Year’s Eve 2020: Dinner Dance, 31 Dec., 7:30pm-12:30am,

St. Andrews School Hall, For tickets Juanita 0421244368.

Rental Available: Compact detached 1 Bedroom Bungalow with kitchenette available to rent. $180 per week close to Southland, Would suit single person. Pls contact 0490 178 141

For Rent: Five bedroom house in E. Bentleigh—contact 0418 170 879

Monash Uni Research Project: Career development of Indian Nurses in Aust—email: allegra.schermuly@monash.ed or 0431 536 418

Room for Rent in Bentleigh East—0402032476

Sacramental Program Registration Day for Reconciliation, Eucharist &

Confirmation– 2020

Wed, 5th Feb, 2020 in the McKenna Centre, 4pm

Classes will commence Wed, 12th Feb. 2020. Parish Office: 9579 4255. Lidia & Betty

Children’s Liturgy of the Word for pre-school

and primary school children.

10:30am Mass Every Sunday during Advent

Memorial Service for Loved Ones

Sunday, 15th December at 2pm

Our annual Memorial Service for those who have lost a loved one in the last 12

months or so will be held at St. Peter’s Church, Cuppa afterwards.

All welcome.

We are looking for instrumentalists and singers to

join the choir for Midnight Mass. Dates for

practice will be on 14th & 21st December at 4pm

in the church. Looking forward to seeing you at

the practice. Theja

Thurs 19th Dec 7.30pm Liturgy Team Meeting— Green Room

Congratulations & Best Wishes to

Anita & Lloyd Bayros on their 25th Wedding Anniversary

Congratulations & Best Wishes to

Allan Tierney on his 85th birthday

Christmas is not a time nor a season,

But a state of mind. To cherish peace

And goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy,

Is to have the real spirit of Christmas

Calvin Coolidge

OLSH UNIFORM (BLAZER, DRESS ETC.) & ST JAMES BLAZER FOR SALE—ring Leanne 0433 838 224

ST. PETER’S ROSTER PARISHIONERS DATE

LECTORS 6.30pm— Winnie & Ronnie Miranda 8.30am— Frances Brook, Margaret Brennan 10.30am— Joan Marshall, Chris Grafen 5.30pm— Barbara Fabris, Andrew Wiraatmadja

21st & 22nd Dec

PRESBYTERY COUNTERS GRP 4: Mary-Anne Phillips, Paul & Maria Thursky, Ronnie Miranda, Cecilia Finch Sun 22nd Dec

THANKSGIVING COUNTERS GRP 6: Keith Gonsalvez, Erika Somogyi, Angelo Taranto, Anne & Joan Lawler Sun 22nd Dec

SACRISTAN GRP 4: Helen Neal, Michelle De Silva, Henry D’Souza, Carmen Laragy Sat 21st Dec

FATIMA STATUE Kelly Family—Vera Street 15th December

Rocha Family—Centre Road 22nd Dec

MOORABBIN HOSPITAL VISIT

Michael Jones (Sun) Michael Hill (Sun)

15th Dec 22nd & 29th Dec

Betty De Marco (Wed) Lillian Carolan (Wed)

18th Dec

25th Dec & 1st Jan

ST. PAUL’S ROSTER PARISHIONERS DATE

COUNTERS Bev Claudius Les Claudius Sun 15th Dec

Kim Loh Elaine Loh Sun 22nd Dec

VOCATIONS / CHALICE Maria Pellizzer (Sat) Patricia Baxter (Sat) 14th & 21st Dec

LECTORS

Sr. Liz (L) Martina Bruce (R) (Sun)

Patricia Baxter (L) Teresa Meyer (R) (Sun)

14th & 15th

December

Guz Zhang (L) Vanita Carvalho (R) (Sun)

Kerry Burns (L) Jane Renwick (R) (Sun)

21st & 22nd

December

COMPUTER OPERATORS: Mirabile Family (Sat) Volunteer (Sun) 14th & 15th Dec

Volunteer (Sat) Volunteer (Sun) 21st & 22nd Dec

GIFTS Davis Family (Sat) Volunteers (Sun) 14th & 15th Dec

Zhang Family (Sat) Volunteers (Sun) 21st & 22nd Dec

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:

Station 1: Jane Dunstone, Maureen Knight,

Station 2: Sr. Liz, Brindyl Madhusudan, Leala Uytenbogaadt,

Station 3: Peggy Davis, Volunteer,

Station 1: Bernie Hoy, Kaye Hoy,

Station 2: Violet Baron, Tanya Aquilina, Marg McGowan,

Station 3: Rosa Lettieri, Dominic L ’Huillier

Saturday December Sunday

MORNING TEA (HALL) Tania Aquilina & Gladys Gomez 15th December

Pascal Yee & Margaret Leigh 22nd December

COMMUNION TO THE SICK 1: Annette Clark 2: Pam & Rex Koch 3: Volunteer 15th December

ST. CATHERINE’S ROSTER PARISHIONERS DATE

COUNTERS Garry & Maureen Clynes, Bernadette Farrell Sun 22nd Dec

ALTAR SOCIETY Daniela Pitrone Sat 21st Dec

LECTORS 8:30am: Patricia Buchanan 10:30am: Matthew Lovegrove Sun 22nd Dec

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS 8:30am: Pina Infanti 10:30am: Patricia Molloy Sun 22nd Dec

COMPUTER OPERATORS 8:30am: Peter Visalli 10:30am: Lovegrove Family Sun 22nd Dec

SACRISTAN 8:30am: Alastair Gomeze 10:30am: Mary Gill Sun 22nd Dec

FATIMA STATUE Gill Family

BULLETIN NOTICES DEADLINES

St. Peter’s Trish Richards & Marion Quinn, 9579 4255, office@holytrinityparish.org.au Thursday

St. Paul’s Libby Thomas, 9557 1165, stpaulbentleigh@bigpond.com Thursday 9am

St. Catherine’s Grace Tanumihardja, 0481 573 583, grace.tanoe@gmail.comGrace on Wednesday 6pm

If you would like your or your loved ones

name on our Sick List, please ring your

Church Office ASAP!

St. Peter’s: , Moria Bugg, Suzzie Dowling (Liz Coyne’s sister), Lindy Hirschfeld, Martin Sheehy, Mary Rieger, Victoria, Sharon Markell, Wilhaida Elsisura, Val Hendry, Ashley Popov, Kathleen Rankin, Serafina Marasco, Bob Cull, Giuseppina Taranto, Sam Williams, Maureen Gray, Paul Madden, Dr. Gary, Jackie Greeley, Helen Mille, Mary Leyshon, Wan Kok On, Anne Johnstone, Eric Dodd, Wayne Butteriss, Rosemary Anthonisz, Sue Bartlett (Austin) Dr Edna Pereira, Martin Johnson, Tyson Joseph, Nelson Fernandes, Jeremy Morck, Lynne Bryan, Naomi Puf, Braxton de Koke, George, Sandra Jones (Qld), Leonie Kerley, Vince Bezzina, Riley Sinclair, Des Lawler, Marco Paoli, Jakob Deans, Mark & Colleen Lewis, Martin, Cheryl & Judy Meehan, Jenny Liston, Kath DeLosa, Joan Fennelly, Darga family members.

St Paul’s: Noelle Tierney, Jarrad Camille, Olga Van Twest, Joy David, Russell & Paola French, Anna Spanicek, Anne Ghatt, Jeremy Morck, Fernando, Julie Keatley, Francesso Gregori, Dorothy McDonald, Delphine Ferreria, Jill Briody, Tanya Wall, Joanne Le Sueur,

St Catherine’s : Peter Brown, Maureen Clynes, Helen Lucas, Dean Cameron, Aubrey Milhussin, Rodney Butts, Mary Gill (Mother of Marg Commons), Tony Mallozzi, Emma Mallozzi, Stasia Underwood, Noreen Davidson, Dolly Hoff, Anne Grounds, Peter Wilson, Jeff Rudland, Tracey Campbell, Rosa Virgona, Karen Ogden, Trenna Scanlon, Gerard Rivalland, Daniel Rivalland, Peter Jennings, Eileen Ellerton

Those who are sick:

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR A)

Recently Deceased:

Anniversaries occurring at this time:

St. Peter’s: Bartolina Natoli, Rosalia Rufolo, Vincent Salanitri, Clare Cocciardi

St. Paul’s: Cate Cawthan

St. Peter’s: Noel Derrick

St. Peter’s: Joan Sinclair, Manda Pavicic, Jim Reilly, Bill Baldry St. Paul’s: Thelma Braithwaite, Isabelle Markey, Patrick Aldred, Leslie Aldred, Sammy Massey, Adele Portello, Gerald Casserly

St. Catherine’s: Tyronne Nathanielsz (2yrs) Danny O’Meara, Norm Muratore, Margery Honeyman, Angelina Pinzone, Hugh Burchell, Joyce Byrne St. Catherine’s: Wilfred Rozario

THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL – Matthew 1:2-11

First Anniversary occurring at this time:

Monthly Remembrance

John in his prison had heard what Christ was doing and he sent his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or have we got to wait for someone else?’ Jesus answered, ‘Go back and tell John what you hear and see; the blind see again, and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised to life and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor; and happy is the man who does not lose faith in me.’ As the messengers were leaving, Jesus began to talk to the people about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the breeze? No? Then what did you go out to see? A man wearing fine clothes? Oh no, those who wear fine clothes are to be found in palaces. Then what did you go out for? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet: he is the one of whom scripture says: Look, I am going to send my messenger before you; he will prepare your way before you. I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.’