💖 HOMILY - DECEMBER 13 💖

First Reading - Isaiah 48:17-19

Gospel - Matthew 11:16-19

We live in a world of differences. We have differences of opinion, tastes, interests, and habits. We cannot fit into 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 percent 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 an abundance of blessings for Israel in terms of happiness, integrity, and progeny. However, it was their unfaithfulness that led them to desolation and exile. This also contains a strong exhortation for the returnees from exile, that they should cling to God in faithfulness.

The gospel presents the Pharisees and scribes as 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 proposes funeral songs and asks the first group to carry one of them on their shoulders as they act out a funeral procession. In the end, both groups are 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 appreciated by some and upbraided by others. What is our reaction? Do we become inactive or reactive? What attitude should we 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 commandments of God, and they would be happy. This exhortation is given to the people of Israel who have returned from exile. Walking the path of the commandments 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 to what is right, pleasing to His Father, and justifiable by His conscience. We can only confront wayward situations (a life of unfaithfulness to the commandments of God) by contrasting them in our lives with 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.