MT 11:16 – 19
During this Advent season, more than ever, we are called to renew our perspective and open our hearts to God’s message to prepare for the coming of our Savior. However, in this Gospel, the crowds are unreceptive to the messages of John the Baptist and Jesus. Jesus compares “this generation” to children in the marketplace who cannot decide which game to play, just as they reject John for his extreme fasting and Jesus for his eating and drinking with sinners. No matter the circumstance, the crowds vacillate in making a decision to follow God’s messengers. “But wisdom is justified by her children” commands the crowds to look at the fruits of the ministry of John and Jesus. John is a great prophet, but Jesus is the embodiment of the kingdom. The sick are healed, sinners repent, the blind see, and the dead live again! No matter whom God sends, it is essential that this Advent we open our hearts to God’s servants who are there to guide us but most especially in the person of Jesus Christ.