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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Wisdom is vindicated by her works

Wisdom is vindicated by her works

Published Dec 9, 2022 12:05 am

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Reflections today

We might have some experiences of the time when, after we did our best to do something for others, we received negative criticisms in return. This might be very discouraging and might dampen our spirit. But every good deed which we do is already a vindication of the kind of person we have become. Moreover, Jesus encourages us not to lose heart. We must not get tired of doing what is good, even if people are not positively responsive to what we are doing. Today’s Gospel tells of Jesus’ steadfastness in terms of doing what is good, while correcting the childish attitude of his generation. The crowds are not able to see the good things done either by John the Baptist or by Jesus. Nonetheless, nothing stops John and Jesus from the doing what is good.

Do we easily give up doing good when people are not positively responsive to what we are doing? Are we really convinced of the fact that no single good act is ever wasted? During this Advent season, how are we going to concretely advance our good deeds?

Gospel • Mt 11:16-19

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.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by her works.”

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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