We know well that elsewhere in the Scriptures Jesus says that those who wish to enter the kingdom must be childlike. But in today’s Gospel, Jesus critiques “this generation” – we can understand Him to be speaking about us as well – for being childish. So there is a distinction to be made between being childlike – which is to say trustingly dependant on a loving parent – and childish.
Jesus calls this generation childish because they make childish demands:
“We played the flute for you but you did not dance; we sang a dirge for you but you did not weep.”
The children in the marketplace want others to, literally, dance to their tune. Childishness insists on getting one’s own way, without regard for what is right or wrong, and without regard for the needs of others. And we say as much when a teenager whines and complains when things don’t go their way.
In turn, Jesus critiques this generation for childishness because they make childish criticisms:
“John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine and you said he is possessed by a demon. The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you called Him a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.”
The criticisms of the Pharisees for John and for Jesus were childish because they were rooted not in an accurate appraisal of God’s Law, but rather on their own self-righteousness. Again, a concern not really with right and wrong, with the good of the other, but with having others dance to their own tunes.
“But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”
Brothers, we will prove the maturity of our faith, and avoid childishness, and show ourselves to be the children of Wisdom, when what was said of Jesus in today’s Gospel can be said of us:
“He is a friend of tax collectors and sinners.”
When we have a higher concern for what is truly right than for our own prerogatives – when we can admit our own sinfulness, and forgive the sinfulness of others – when like Jesus, it is not our guilt, but the holiness of our lives, and our compassion and love, that draws sinners to us – then we will truly be childlike, not childish.
In this regard we have wonderful models in Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian whom we celebrate today. They each gave up their lives rather than betray the true faith – but before that, in their life of ministry, they worked together to reconcile apostates with the Church not through harsh measures or amnesty, but through the usual "medicine of repentance.”
May this Eucharist give us the courage and strength we each need to be that steadfast in faith and that generous in forgiveness.
1 comment:
Father - this is an off-topic comment, but I wanted to get some last minute adivice from an expert...I'm getting 'inked' tomorrow, but I can't decide between two designs: 1. Salve Regina or, 2. Deo Gratias. Do you have a favorite? As the Holy Mother is the patron of motorcyclists, I'm partial to the Salve Regina. On the other hand, a simple 'thank you' has always been my prayer of choice...I figure I can't go wrong with either (unless you believe tattoos to be illicit), but the polling of friends & family has come up split. So if you have a preference, perhaps your vote will push one over the top. However it turns out, I'll have Beth post some pictures on Facebook (after the redness and swelling subside ;-). Thanks, Doug in PDX
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