Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs

“To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’”

In today’s gospel, Jesus compares the people of his generation with squabbling children, some of whom want to dance and some of whom want to weep. He goes on to say that John came fasting and they rejected him and now Jesus comes feasting and they reject him. The people are making excuses not to listen to John and Jesus. They really aren’t interested in understanding their message, instead they simply want to tear it down because it threatens them. However, in the end, Jesus makes it clear that the wisdom of John and Jesus’ lives will be revealed. We cannot be all joy or all sorrow, all dancing, but no weeping, all pleasure and no pain. Both feasting and fasting are needed in order to live our lives in accord with God’s Will. We should be thankful for the goods in our lives, but equally we should be grateful for the opportunities to share in the sacrifices God made for us.

Do we feast with God and fast for him? Are we willing to sacrifice what we have to know, love, and serve Him? Are will thankful for all that He has given us?

O Lord, let us dance and weep with you according to your will.

Amen.