Reading 1
Is 48:17-19
Thus says the LORD, your redeemer,
the Holy One of Israel:
I, the LORD, your God,
teach you what is for your good,
and lead you on the way you should go.
If you would hearken to my commandments,
your prosperity would be like a river,
and your vindication like the waves of the sea;
Your descendants would be like the sand,
and those born of your stock like its grains,
Their name never cut off
or blotted out from my presence.
Gospel
Mt 11:16-19
Jesus said to the crowds:
“To what shall I compare this generation?
It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another,
‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance,
we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said,
‘He is possessed by a demon.’
The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said,
‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard,
a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’
But wisdom is vindicated by her works.”
Meditation: Matthew 11:16-19
Wisdom is vindicated by her works. (Matthew 11:19)
Have you ever had a friend come seeking your advice? He pours out his heart, and you listen attentively and suggest a course of action. Immediately he shoots it down, explaining why it will never work. You may suggest a different solution and receive the same response. Finally, you realize that your friend doesn’t want advice. Either he feels stuck in an unchangeable situation, or he has already decided what to do and can’t listen to anything that doesn’t confirm his choice.
Such a friend may remind us of the children in the marketplace in today’s Gospel. Their friends invite them to join in a dance, but they refuse. Nor will they wail and play “funeral.” All they can do is condemn the games others are playing. Could this describe us when we seek direction from the Lord? We sincerely want to know God’s will, but we find it hard to set aside our own analysis of the situation or give up our own plans.
God promises in today’s first reading that he wants to lead us on the way we should go. But it’s up to us to listen to his voice. This kind of humble listening works better if we invite God to loosen our attachment to our own ways and open our eyes to his perspective.
Sometimes we may sense divine encouragement. As we pray, a gentle thought forms in our mind: “You’re going in the right direction. Hang in there. The resolution is in sight.” Or we will unexpectedly think of a new way to use an undeveloped talent. God is inviting us to dance!
Sometimes we may sense God questioning our priorities. Perhaps we will be inspired to get up a little earlier and spend uninterrupted time reading the Bible. Perhaps we will begin by asking God how we can get ahead at work—and have the nagging feeling that we’ve been neglecting responsibilities at home. God is inviting us to mourn for our sins and make a change.
Remembering how much God loves us, let’s stop talking long enough to listen to him. Let’s set aside our plans and try entering into his better idea.
“Father, you know me inside and out. Help me to see myself as you see me. Lead me along the path that leads to friendship with you.”
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