FRIDAY, DEC 15
Matthew 11: 16-19
Jesus said to the crowds:
“To what shall I compare this generation?
It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another,
‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance,
we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said,
‘He is possessed by a demon.’
The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said,
‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard,
a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’
But wisdom is vindicated by her works.”
Grace: I ask for the grace to know Jesus in a deeper way that I may abundantly love and follow him.
I see the children of the marketplace trying to have a little fun with the elders. Not getting the older folks to dance and play along with their wedding music, the children change directions and begin a funeral procession, complete with a slow, mournful dirge. Once again they meet rejection.
I see God send John the Baptist to the elders. I hear him preach repentance and learn that he lives on locusts and honey. The elders say that the devil must possess anyone who lives so austerely. So, I go to hear Jesus preach love and forgiveness. He eats and drinks well. The elders consider his partying excessive and some of his companions inappropriate. Leaders of this generation reject and eventually kill both men.
Probing my heart, I wonder, am I a part of “this generation?” I enter into a different kind of Examen: Do I fail to see Christ in those who don’t entertain or instruct me in ways that I wish? Do I fail to notice the Spirit moving in those whose beliefs don’t reflect my own? I consider that I may be so focused on my intellect and abilities that I stop seeing the world and its people as sources of wonder and blessing. Have I chosen knowledge as a good substitute for wisdom? How many do I reject?
What does Jesus mean when he says, “wisdom is vindicated by her works”? I think I must further probe my heart to realize and understand the effects of my actions. Does my response to other’s actions or beliefs bring about healing and redemption? Do I behave in such a way that others may see Christ in me? Will I humble myself to let the life of Christ and the guidance of the Spirit lead me? Now is the season of preparation for a great event. I should prepare wisely and gratefully.
For Reflection and Prayer:
As you examine the events of your day and the persons that you encounter consider one way in which you have loved another and give thanks for this moment of love.
Now call to mind the events of your day and consider one way in which you have failed to love. Take a moment to ask for the abundant mercy of Jesus.
Ask the Lord for Grace to encounter Him in others through your activities tomorrow.
To end this prayer time, you may wish to meditate on this image, Women’s Wisdom Dancing by Sr. Mary Southard, CSJ:
To buy Sr. Southard’s artwork and more like it, visit Ministry of the Arts.
The Contributor:
Patricia Neef Greefkens is a retired school teacher and administrator. She is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Theology at Oblate School of Theology to discover how she might give back to her community. After studying Moral Theology, she began work on a parish ministry to meet the needs of those who have suffered miscarriages.
Learn more about Magis Ignatian Spirituality Programs.
Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner.