First reading 1 Timothy 3:14-16
The mystery of our religion is very deep
At the moment of writing to you, I am hoping that I may be with you soon; but in case I should be delayed, I wanted you to know how people ought to behave in God’s family – that is, in the Church of the living God, which upholds the truth and keeps it safe. Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is very deep indeed:
He was made visible in the flesh,
attested by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed to the pagans,
believed in by the world,
taken up in glory.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 110(111):1-6
Great are the works of the Lord.
or
Alleluia!
I will thank the Lord with all my heart
in the meeting of the just and their assembly.
Great are the works of the Lord,
to be pondered by all who love them.
Majestic and glorious his work,
his justice stands firm for ever.
He makes us remember his wonders.
The Lord is compassion and love.
He gives food to those who fear him;
keeps his covenant ever in mind.
He has shown his might to his people
by giving them the lands of the nations.
Gospel Luke 7:31-35
‘We played the pipes, and you wouldn’t dance’
Jesus said to the people:
‘What description can I find for the men of this generation? What are they like? They are like children shouting to one another while they sit in the market-place:
‘“We played the pipes for you,
and you wouldn’t dance;
we sang dirges,
and you wouldn’t cry.”
‘For John the Baptist comes, not eating bread, not drinking wine, and you say, “He is possessed.” The Son of Man comes, eating and drinking, and you say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” Yet Wisdom has been proved right by all her children.’
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Missing to see goodness in others
In today’s gospel, Jesus was frustrated with the criticism from the people around Him. The religious leaders criticised John the Baptist for being too radical because he chose to live an aesthetic lifestyle. He wore clothing made from camel hair and ate locusts and wild honey. On the other hand, Jesus focussed His ministry on being one with sinners and outcasts. He ate with them and spoke to them about God’s love. They grumbled that He was a glutton and a friend of sinners. Despite their differences, both of them were sent by God. However, the people were not happy with either and rejected them.
Due to our tendency to judge others by how they dress, relate with others, behave, etc., we close ourselves to them. Too often, such an attitude prevents us from perceiving goodness in people. “Yet wisdom is justified by all her children”. Jesus pointed out that those with the wisdom of God are the ones who truly have eyes to see goodness in others and have hearts open to welcome them into our lives.
Reflective question:
Am I open to changing how I look at and relate with others?
Am I open to changing how I look at and relate with others?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Sandra Seow FMVD.
