2nd Week of Advent Friday
Gospel of Matthew 11:16-19 Reflection:
In today’s gospel, Jesus answers one of questions that often baffles Christians; why do people insist on not believing even when they see evidence of God’s goodness.
Jesus is frustrated with ‘this generation.’ He says that they have seen John live a hard life in the desert and they would not believe him, they have seen Jesus work signs and wonders of God’s power and they still would not believe in him either.
Jesus is saying what we all come to see if we stick at the Christian life as best we can; that there are people who simply will not believe no matter what the evidence is for the existence of God. They appear to have hardened their heart and have decided they will not believe.
But Jesus has an answer for such people and as usual it is deceptively simple: ‘Yet wisdom has been proved right by her actions.’
For all our progress, this poor old world of ours has no answer to Jesus. His life and behaviour are such that no matter what we try to do he is always there before us, showing us the principles on which we should build our lives if we are to have concern for others or are we seeking for ourselves.
At the bottom line, you nearly always find that those who won’t accept Jesus are seeking their own way. Following Jesus means giving him authority in your life and losing your own right to make the rules.
Gospel of Matthew 11:16-19 Reflection:
In today’s gospel, Jesus answers one of questions that often baffles Christians; why do people insist on not believing even when they see evidence of God’s goodness.
Jesus is frustrated with ‘this generation.’ He says that they have seen John live a hard life in the desert and they would not believe him, they have seen Jesus work signs and wonders of God’s power and they still would not believe in him either.
Jesus is saying what we all come to see if we stick at the Christian life as best we can; that there are people who simply will not believe no matter what the evidence is for the existence of God. They appear to have hardened their heart and have decided they will not believe.
But Jesus has an answer for such people and as usual it is deceptively simple: ‘Yet wisdom has been proved right by her actions.’
For all our progress, this poor old world of ours has no answer to Jesus. His life and behaviour are such that no matter what we try to do he is always there before us, showing us the principles on which we should build our lives if we are to have concern for others or are we seeking for ourselves.
At the bottom line, you nearly always find that those who won’t accept Jesus are seeking their own way. Following Jesus means giving him authority in your life and losing your own right to make the rules.
