Jesus compared “this generation” to children who could not be satisfied. For when the flute was played for them they did not dance, when the dirge was played they did not mourn. There was no pleasing them no matter what. Jesus drew the parallel to the present bystanders who acted as fickle as the children. They criticized John as being possessed for his fasting and asceticism and they also criticized Jesus as a glutton and a drunkard for his table fellowship with all who were willing.
I speculate that Jesus was talking to his detractors as well as his disciples. He encouraged his followers to be wary not to wallow in the mud of fickleness, but also to be clear that their preaching and teaching was to be based on being a dispenser of his truth and the will of his Father and not the reaction of the people, for “wisdom is vindicated by her works” (Mt 11:19). Just as Jesus taught that false prophets would be revealed over time by their fruits (cf. Mt 7:16), so those who were true to his teachings would be vindicated if not fully in this life, then in the next.
May we pray for open hearts and minds eager and willing to hear the word of God and the courage to act upon his leading in our everyday circumstances. The goal sounds easy, but is so challenging. The first part is being able to quiet our minds sufficiently enough so that we can even hear his word, and then be willing to develop the discernment to recognize the difference between his voice, our own, or another. Also, we need to be aware that God speaks to us in so many ways; directly in the silence of the heart, through others, spiritual direction, small groups, fellowship, through the Bible, which means we need to be reading or listening to it, through the teachings and Tradition of our faith, through creation, really any way is possible for God to communicate with us.
Once we believe we are clear with his direction then we are to step out in faith and put his guidance into practice remembering the fickleness we are about to encounter. We are not to seek to impress, but to express. We are to resist seeking adulation and acclaim, but with a firm intent seek to lead others to Christ. We are to resist moralizing and condemning, and instead meet people where they are at accompany them. More times than not we may not know if what we are being moved to do is coming from God. When led to move, we seek support and confirmation from Scripture and Tradition, others who are wise and practiced in following God, reassess our intention and goal, and then go. If we are wrong, we learn from our mistakes and begin again. If we are on the mark, this helps us to build our confidence in knowing the voice of God.
What we do not want to do is remain indecisive out of fear or anxiety, from the perceived reaction that will come. Nor do we want to remain indifferent to action. Jesus has offered his hand to lead us. Just as in learning to walk, our beginning attempts more often than not ended up with us sitting on the floor or ground looking up, soon with practice, gaining strength, balance, adjustments, and corrections, we began to gain confidence and the ability to move forward upright, step by wobbly step. So it is in the spiritual life. If we are not moving ahead we are falling behind. To risk to love, to show mercy, to be convicting with the truth, to walk with Jesus, follow the will of his Father, is worth it. We just need to begin, one step at a time, hand in hand with Jesus and each other.
Photo: Day of installation as Lector with my classmates Pete and Hank.
“Take this book of holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people.” – from the Rites, Volume Two.
Link for today’s Mass readings for Friday, December 15, 2017:
Spiritual Stepping Stones