By Amala William, CSC –
Readings: Is 48:17-19; Mt 11:16-19
Readings of the day invite us to ‘Take heed the word of God and do likewise’. In the first reading we see the assured prosperous future for those who listen and walk in the commandments of the Lord. The responsorial psalm echoes the benefits of following the law of the Lord and the counsel of the wicked.
In the Gospel reading Jesus seemed to be not impressed by the crowd’s response. In the eyes of Jesus, the generation has a childish attitude. They criticized the actions of Jesus and compared with John the Baptist. But the fact is that neither they appreciated John’s cry for repentance nor listened to the good news of Jesus Christ.
The people’s expectation of Jesus was far different from the purpose of Jesus being with them. He came into the world to identify himself with the sinners and not to identify with sins. The majority wanted to limit Jesus with the understanding of their boundary but he was beyond the social understanding of it.
He was always faithful in heeding and doing the will of God. Often, I see others’ deeds with the magnified lens for finding fault, hardly appreciating and congratulating them for their efforts. When it comes to my personal participation, I expect others to recognize my work. The Lord is inviting me to dwell on his words and to share the light of joy by acknowledging the goodness of one another. Gracious Lord, you created this world and gave it to the humanity so that the first-hand experience of your affectionate love radiated over the earth through us. Lord, with your grace may we be reminded time and again to be optimistic at the same time be critical of the evil in the society. Amen.
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