Reflection on Matthew 11:16-19
Friday, December 13, 2024
"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."
In this passage, Jesus laments the fickleness of His generation. People rejected John the Baptist’s asceticism as too harsh and dismissed Jesus’ approachability as too indulgent. Their criticisms revealed a deeper resistance to God’s message, not a true concern for its messengers. Jesus reminds us that divine wisdom, not human judgment, ultimately proves what is right.
Connection to Real Life
This Gospel challenges us to examine our own hearts and attitudes. How often do we let biases or preconceptions cloud our judgment? Like the people of Jesus’ time, we may find ourselves quick to criticize others or dismiss the ways God is working through them because they don’t fit our expectations.
In our modern world, this could look like judging someone’s style of leadership, personality, or even their faith practices. For instance, we might dismiss someone who is devout as "too extreme" or critique someone who shows mercy as "too lenient." Yet Jesus reminds us that God’s wisdom is revealed through actions, not appearances or opinions.
Think about a time when you doubted or dismissed someone’s contributions, only to later realize the value of their work. Perhaps a colleague, friend, or family member offered a perspective or approach that initially seemed unimportant but ultimately led to a meaningful outcome. God’s wisdom often shines through the very people we least expect.
A Call to Action
During Advent, as we prepare for Christ’s coming, let us reflect on our openness to God’s work in unexpected ways. Are we quick to judge, or do we seek the fruits of wisdom in others?
Take a moment to let go of preconceived notions and ask God for a discerning heart. Look beyond surface-level judgments to see how others are contributing to His kingdom. Let this Gospel encourage us to trust in God’s wisdom and embrace His work, even when it challenges our assumptions. As we do, we participate in the unfolding of His redemptive plan.