Gospel
Luke 7:31-35
Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’ For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”
Sermon
My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel passage presents us with a poignant critique by Jesus of the people of his generation. He likens them to spoiled children who refuse to be pleased, no matter what.
Jesus notes that John the Baptist came as an ascetic, denying himself food and drink, and yet he was rejected as being possessed by a demon. Then Jesus himself came, eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners, and he was rejected as a glutton and a drunkard.
Jesus' point is clear: people will find fault with God's messengers no matter what they do. The problem lies not with the messengers but with the hearts of those who refuse to listen.
But Jesus concludes with a phrase that offers hope: "Wisdom is vindicated by all her children." In other words, those who truly seek wisdom will recognize and respond to God's messengers.
This passage challenges us to examine our own response to God's wisdom. Do we reject God's messengers because they don't fit our preconceptions? Or do we listen with open hearts and minds?
May we be among those who recognize and respond to God's wisdom, no matter how unexpectedly it may come.
Prayer
Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty, merciful, and loving God, we come before you, acknowledging our tendency to reject your messengers because they don't fit our preconceptions. Forgive us for our closed hearts and minds.
Help us to seek wisdom and recognize your voice, no matter how unexpectedly it may come. Give us humility and openness to respond to your messengers, whether they come in expected or unexpected ways.
We pray for discernment to evaluate spiritual leaders and recognize your truth. May we not be like the spoiled children who refuse to be pleased, but rather like your children who seek wisdom and respond with obedience.
Thank you for the examples of John the Baptist and Jesus, who showed us that your wisdom can come in unexpected packages. May we be willing to listen and respond to your wisdom, even when it challenges our assumptions.
Vindicate your wisdom in our lives, Lord. May we be among those who truly seek and respond to your guidance.
In Jesus' most holy name we pray, Amen.
Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,
Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ