“But wisdom is vindicated by her works.” | Friday of the Second Week of Advent

FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT 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.’” Today’s Gospel passage from Matthew shows Jesus responding to those who were critical of John and those who were critical of him. John came neither eating nor drinking, and the Son of Man came eating and drinking. In either case, their ministry is criticized. John is seen as possessed; Jesus, as a glutton and a drunkard. Either criticism obfuscates the main thing, the goal, which the first reading from Isaiah brings to light: “I, the LORD, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go.” Those who follow the Lord, says the psalmist, have the light of life and mediate on his law day and night. In my own mind, how can I switch off the critical response that debilitates my response to God? What do I need to do to bring the Lord more present into my life day and night, today and tomorrow? God, help me understand your Son’s words. I want to be childlike in hanging on your every word; keep my spirit from playing children’s games, imposing childish expectations on how you should work in my life and in the world. Jesus, you say, “But wisdom is vindicated by her works.” I want to be like the man in the Psalms who follows you and has your light: “He is like a tree planted near running water, That yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers.” Lord, I know you are near. You are not confined by human perception and categories; you are above all. Give me the grace today to put away my critical mind and trust in what you have to teach me. You say to me: “I, the LORD, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go.” I ask you to lead me. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. USCCB Readings Lectio Divina Reflections: YouTube