A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to 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.”
REFLECTION: Jesus teaching to us in today’s Gospel, is an opportunity to look into our own hearts, and find the way, to a conversion of ourselves, without comparing with, or condemning others. We know from Scripture, that on many occasions, Jesus went away from His disciples and crowds, to pray and to allow God’s will to be done, and not His. Jesus never asked of His disciples, and He will never ask us, to do something, He himself is not willing to do. Conversion requires change, and prayer is the key to that change. The BIG question is, are we open for change?
Perhaps, you may or may not agree with me, but the ones who know the rules the most are the ones who may be the most blinded to the rules, and that is due to their own pride. We may see that in sports like soccer or basketball, when players over act, and exaggerate a foul. They know the rules very well but choose to not see the rules as the referee sees them, rather to see them to their favor. Another example, and right out of the Sacred Scriptures is, the woman who was being convicted, for committing adultery (John 8:3-11). A mob of religious scholars and Pharisees bring a woman to Jesus, accusing her of adultery, and demanding that she be stoned. Making themselves look better on the account of others.
We are like that “mob” criticizing the woman, thinking that we are doing something different, and better for society. However, what we ought to do instead, is imitate Jesus, and stick to the true meaning, of allowing ourselves to be converted to His ways, who speaks and sees the goodness in people. Once a person, through prayer, notices their mistakes, they would be wise to change, for the better.
I pray that not only us here today, but everyone will open their eyes to see the world, as a place to grow and be better, for the glory of God.
ACTION FOR THE DAY: Take time today to sit in your sacred space and do a self-examination on the condition of your heart according to God’s will. Thank Him for all He has done for you. Then, pray that He will help you for a conversion of your heart, and allow Him to guide your path to take the steps that will lead you towards the person He has planned for you to be, and not your own impulses.
AUDIO REFLECTION:
