John came neither eating nor drinking
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John is a nazir (“consecrated to the Lord”) from birth; “he will drink neither wine nor strong drink” (Lk 1:15). In later life, John proffers the way of asceticism in the desert. His detractors, however, see this austere prophet as possessed by a demon. In contrast to John, Jesus makes no radical departure from the usual manner of the life of the Jews. Although a “marginal Jew” in the sense that he has left his livelihood and clan in Nazareth and did not marry, Jesus lives much like other rabbis, mixing with the people in their community life. Still, he is accused of being a glutton and a drunkard even if he is not invited to banquets as grand as those prepared by Herod the tetrarch.
The parable of children looking for playmates is addressed by Jesus to those people who do not welcome God’s salvation through repentance. Jesus and John the Baptist before him are God’s definitive messengers. Yet the detractors find fault with them. Like spoiled playmates, they would rather sit comfortably on the sidelines as spectators while others have to dance to the piping or go through wild lamentations as the flute plays a dirge. These people stand apart as critical observers, determining that their expectations are not met.
Gospel • Matthew 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 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.