Wisdom Is Justified By Her Children

Good actions speak for themselves, even if it may take a while for others to perceive or appreciate them.

Isaiah 48:17-19
Matthew 11:16-19

The wisdom tradition of the Jewish people stresses the point that God reveals his wisdom through creation and also shows the ways people practically live their lives. The wise, the foolish, the just and the unjust, the good, the bad and the ugly often presented to us in the book of proverbs, Ecclesiasticus, Ecclesiastes etc.

Christ came into this world to show us the wisdom of God through what he says and does. John the Baptist had a role to play in the history of salvation, that is, to point and introduce the Messiah. Christ in turn will bring the messianic era into fruition. This is done in a new fashion and many did not accept him. Just as some did not accept John’s prophetic mission and lifestyle, some also did not accept Jesus’ preconception about the Messiah. However, He did the Father’s will to bring us back to the Father. Good actions speak for themselves, even if it may take a while for others to perceive or appreciate them.

In today’s gospel, Jesus criticized his critics. The crowds use worldly standards to size him up. They were caught up in their opinions about the Messiah. They accuse Jesus of being possessed by a demon, a drunkard, and so on. How easy is it for me to judge others by accepting or rejecting them for mere external things? What are my internal attitudes toward others?

Sometimes, we too might find it difficult and disturbing to accept the revelations of God; eating with tax collectors and sinners, forgiving an enemy, reconciling with others or choosing the lifestyle of Jesus that tickles our fancy, Jesus has stern words, for us today; To what shall I compare this generation?

Fr Osho