The Pile of Reasons we Reject the Good
Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr
Readings: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Mt 11:16-19
Summary
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.'
Reflection
The meaning of this parable is the plain sense is to note the Divine Voice is spoken through many people each with their own particular strengths and perspective. There are some who gravitate toward one or another in style and content. But there is a group of people who reject all forms of divine instruction, worship and praise.
This is where preferences can trip us up. We begin to abandon the plain and literal sense of the scripture and apply our preferences as the ultimate value proposition. You can have preferences but they are subordinate to the generally understood meanings and purpose of sacred Scripture – which is, the assurance of Divine care and a Rule of Life.
The Problems
- We want God to speak to us within the limits we set.
- We judge others by these same limits.
- We miss out on the inspired truth being offered.
- By choosing neither we close off the reception of the divine benevolence.
The Solution
In the Church, even in our own families, some are joyful, some sorrowful, some at a banquet and some at a funeral. Every day everyone is at a different place. The Lord speaks to everyone in all the circumstances. Sometimes we dance and sometimes we mourn.
At all times and in every Mass these conditions are recognized throughout (in the Intentions, Intercessions, Collect prayer, Eucharistic prayer). And all are offered the divine gift of Holy Eucharist.
Personal Reflection
AI Generated Debbie Downer Image
You know the symptom. It even has a title: Debbie Downer. Someone who always finds fault and deficiency in anything and everything. Usually you can just roll your eyes to accommodate the person. But in the end, by choosing nothing good and assessing all things not good, we live a vain life (vain means hopeless, the second commandment requires trust).
Allow me to represent Jesus’ words here:
Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare this generation?
- I played the flute for you but you refused your moment of Joy.
- I sang a dirge for you in your mourning but you refused to be comforted.
Don’t let preferences stop you from receiving the love Jesus offers.
Footnotes
- Plain Sense (peshat) is a Jewish phrase to describe the literal meaing of the text (contextual, systematic).
- Literal Sense is a Catholic phrase to describe the literal meaning of the text (exegesis).
- The Spiritual senses are Allegorical (symbolic/metaphorical meaning, Moral (life conduct meaning) and Anagogical (spiritual meaning).
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121324.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry