He dine with sinners

Ish 48:17-19, Mt. 11:16-19. As we continue our Advent journey, we reflect on the idea that those who follow the Lord will produce a rich harvest. In today's first reading, God promises to reward those who have been willing to walk in His way. At that time, the righteous will be given the rewards of their faith lived out in good works. The Psalmist presents a parallel reality by using the imagery of life-giving water that nourishes and provides growth for the plants which sink their roots into flowing stream. Being rooted in what gives life makes a difference in what is produced by the tree. To make people understand this reality, in today's Gospel, Jesus compares people of His generation to children playing in the marketplace with their complexity of needs.

People complained about John the Baptist, saying that he was extremely strict and did not enjoy life. These same individuals are upset that Jesus does not seem to take things seriously enough since He is always eating at big feasts and dinning with known public sinners. They refused to acknowledge that they could be wrong and that was why they judged the Lord and John the Baptist by their own flawed ideals and thoughts, wisdom and intellect. Such is the cause of our fall into sin and why so many of us have not been walking faithfully in the path that God has shown us. This is why in this season of Advent, we are called to reflect on our state and ways of life. We are challenged to rethink on how we have lived our lives thus far if we have been so engrossed on worldly matters. Have all these brought true happiness for us? We must remember that the pleasures of the world are merely temporary and do not provide us lasting happiness. It is only in the Lord alone that we can find true joy, by entrusting ourselves in His hands.

May the Lord keep us watchful as we await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that, we may receive the essentials of life from the Lord in whom we trust! Amen!! Remain safe and have a pleasant day!!!