Reflection for December 9
“To what shall I compare this generation?” It seems to me that these words that Jesus tells the crowd are as applicable today as they were two thousand years ago. In this age of social media and division in our country, it has become even easier to pass judgment on others based on their appearance, age, or political beliefs. We are consistently surrounded by the opinions of others, and I will admit, I am sometimes like the children in the marketplace and am quick to pass judgment.
However, there is also hope for us in today’s gospel. Jesus is given the label as “a friend of sinners.” This is clearly meant as an insult but serves as a great reminder that Jesus is always there for us to guide us back to the right path and to help us on our journey. Jesus finishes with, “but wisdom is vindicated by her works.” Our actions speak louder than our words.
May we use this Advent season as a time to not only reflect on where we have judged others and to ask for forgiveness, but also use our actions to help support all people through good works and prayer. Even those who are “children in the marketplace” towards us.
Kevin Hadyka