First Reading - Isaiah 48:17-19
Gospel - Matthew 11:16-19
We live in a world of differences. We have differences of opinions, tastes, interests and habits. We can not fit to every slot equally. Some may like the way we live others may hate the way we behave. There is no certainty that we can 100 per cent bridge the gap of differences. In such situations, what should be our attitude? The readings of the day suggest a piece of advice for our life.
The first reading presents a meditation on the destiny of Israel. The prophet recalls the probable destiny of Israel, had they been faithful to God and his commandments. The passage highlights that the faithfulness of Israel to God would have resulted in abundance of blessings for Israel in terms of happiness, integrity, and progeny. However, it's their unfaithfulness that lead them to desolation and exile. This also contains a stable exhortation for the returnees from exile that they should cling unto God in faithfulness.
The gospel presents Pharisees and scribes as the irresponsible street children. Jesus compares the attitude of the scribes and the Pharisees to that of street-children who want to entertain themselves by playing wedding and funeral songs. They divide themselves into two groups. But when one group proposes to sing wedding songs and asks the other group to dance, the second group would propose funeral songs and ask the first group to carry one of them on their shoulders as they act out a funeral procession. In the end both groups will be frustrated. Jesus states that the scribes and Pharisees act exactly like those irresponsible and immature children because of their pride and prejudice. Jesus criticizes the unbelieving Jews for not listening either to John the Baptist, who preached a message of austerity and repentance, or to Jesus, who preached the good news of love, mercy and salvation.
My dear friends, we might also have been trapped in such situations of contrasts and frustrating moments, where our works were appriciated by some and upbraided by others. What is our reaction? Either we become inactive or reactive. What could be the attitude we should have at this point? The attitude of doing what is right and pleasing to God and our conscience.
The first reading exhorts the people of Israel to walk the path of the commandment of God and they would be happy. This exhortation is given to the people of Israel who have returned from the exile. Walking the path of commandment entails an invitation to the people to do what is right, just and pleasing to God. Jesus did not wish to please either of the groups but clung unto what is right, pleasing to his Father and justifiable by his conscience. We can only confront wayward situations (life of unfaithfulness to the commandment of God) by contrast in our lives by doing what is right, pleasing to God and true to our conscience.
May God help us to discern his will and way in our lives.
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