Isaiah 48:17–19; Psalm 1; Matthew 11:16–19
Human wants are insatiable. Jesus says, “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: “‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ (Matt. 11:16–17). Jesus condenms the indifference displayed by the people of his time. They refused John’s message of repentance and his compassionate teachings and miracles.
“John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!” (Matt.11:18-19). We live in a world with many prejudices. Even though Jesus’ lifestyle was very different from that of John, both were rejected. John was ascetic, while Jesus was social and welcoming, yet both approaches couldn’t satisfy the people’s desires. They criticized them and were discontent with their behavior.
Thus, today’s gospel teaches about the human predisposition to be stubborn, unresponsive, and dismissive of heavenly messages. It also emphasizes the significance of recognizing and embracing God’s wisdom and purposes, even when they contradict our preconceived conceptions or preferences.
The first reading reminds us to focus on God; he is the one who teaches us for our benefits and who leads us in the direction we should go. If we cling to him and obey his commandments, then our peace will be like a river and our righteousness like the waves of the sea. Friends, let us listen to God, meditate on his law, and begin to yield fruits in abundance.
Let us pray
Father, thank you for your many blessings; keep us close to you daily, and let every evil presence around us be driven away by the wind of the Holy Ghost. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
