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.’” Matthew 11:16–17
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What does Jesus mean when He
says “We played the flute for you…” and “we sang a dirge…?” The Church
Fathers clearly identify this “flute” and “dirge” as the word of God
that has been preached by the prophets of old. So many came before Jesus
to prepare the way, but so many failed to listen. John the Baptist was
the final and greatest prophet, and he called people to repentance, but
few listened. Thus, Jesus points out this sad truth.
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In our day and age, we have so
much more than the prophets of the Old Testament. We have the
incredible witness of the saints, the infallible teaching of the Church,
the gift of the Sacraments and the life and teaching of the Son of God
Himself as recorded in the New Testament. Yet, sadly, so many refuse to
listen. So many fail to “dance” and “mourn” in response to the Gospel.
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We must “dance” in the sense
that the gift of Christ Jesus, by His life, death and resurrection
should be the cause of our wholehearted rejoicing and eternal adoration.
Those who truly know and love the Son of God are filled with joy!
Furthermore, we must “mourn” on account of the countless sins in our own
lives and in the lives of those all around us. Sin is real and
prevalent, and a holy sorrow is the only appropriate response. Salvation
is real. Hell is real. And both of these truths demand a total response
from us.
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In your own life, how fully
have you allowed the Gospel to affect you? How attentive are you to the
voice of God as it has been spoken through the lives of the saints and
through our Church? Are you tuned in to the voice of God as He speaks to
you in the depths of your conscience in prayer? Are you listening?
Responding? Following? And giving your whole life in the service of
Christ and His mission?
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Reflect, today, upon the
clear, unmistakable, transforming and life-giving words and presence of
the Savior of the world. Reflect upon how attentive you have been in
life to all that He has clearly spoken and to His very presence. If you
do not find yourself “dancing” for God’s glory and “mourning” over the
evident sins of your life and within our world, then recommit yourself
to a radical following of Christ. In the end, the Truth that God has
spoken throughout the ages and His holy and divine presence are all that
matter.
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My glorious Lord Jesus, I
acknowledge Your divine presence in my life and in the world all around
me. Help me to be more attentive to the countless ways that You speak to
me and come to me each and every day. As I discover You and Your holy
word, fill me with joy. As I see my sin and the sins of the world, give
me true sorrow so that I will work tirelessly to combat my own sin and
bring Your love and mercy to those who are most in need. Jesus, I trust
in You. | |
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