In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew (11:16-19), Jesus is speaking to a Jewish crowd and compares “this generation” with children sitting in the marketplaces who call out to others, “We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.” Jesus then speaks of how John practiced asceticism and, yet, the people said he was “possessed by a demon” and that he, the Son of Man, came eating and drinking and they saw him as a ”glutton and a drunkard” and a “friend of tax collectors and sinners.”

In the first part of this Gospel, Jesus refers to children in a crowded and busy marketplace who are playing music with no response. People likely passing by with other things on their minds, tasks to do, and essentially not only ignoring the music, but failing to respond to it. Jesus then reminds the crowd that John lived a life of asceticism by not eating and drinking, and prophesying about the coming of the Messiah. Rather than listening to his message and responding accordingly, those nearby either ignored him or said he was “possessed by a demon.” Jesus refers to himself as well when he notes the Son of Man came before them and was noted as a glutton and drunk who befriended tax collectors and sinners. He, like John, is rejected for his lifestyle and his willingness to interact with those often shunned by society. But as Jesus notes, “Wisdom is vindicated by her works.” If we are wise and not only listen to, but take action based on the word of God, we will be vindicated.

As we proceed through Advent and prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, let us remind ourselves of the importance of taking time to pause from our hectic holiday routines. Set aside time now and then to listen for and to God’s words. And rather than finding reasons to reject His message as the people did with John and the Son of Man, let us reflect on how we can best convert His words into works during the holiday season and, to do so based on what Jesus taught us to do and modeled for us. As we remember from John 13 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” And this holds true whether the other be a tax collector, a sinner, someone with a different lifestyle, or someone with divergent religious or political beliefs – be it Jew or Palestinian. These are times filled with misunderstandings and conflicts. It is so important for us to focus on listening to others and to the Word of God, and then acting on what Jesus taught us. Let us be understanding, empathic, and peace loving in all we do. Let us work with, and not against, others to create a better community, nation, and world – for it will be through these works that we will be vindicated.