Recognizing the Divine Dance
Scripture Passage
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.”
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Grace Prayed For
Joyful Participation in God’s Plan:
Pray for the grace to embrace the “divine dance” of salvation, participating fully in God’s plan for your life. Ask for the joy and enthusiasm to respond to God’s call with your whole heart.
Reflection
This Advent, Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:16-19 echo with a particular poignancy. He speaks of a generation resistant to joy and sorrow, unable to recognize the divine dance unfolding before their eyes. “We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.” How often do we, like the children in the marketplace, fail to attune ourselves to the rhythm of God’s presence in our lives?
John the Baptist, a voice crying out in the wilderness, embodied a stark and disciplined faith. He prepared the way for the Messiah, a path of repentance and radical conversion. Yet, he was dismissed, labeled as “demon-possessed.” Then came Jesus, the Son of Man, embracing humanity in its fullness, sharing meals with the outcasts and marginalized. He too was rejected, branded a “glutton and a drunkard.”
This dynamic tension, this seeming paradox, reveals a profound truth about the nature of our Trinitarian God. The Father, the source of all creation, sends both John and Jesus – two distinct expressions of His love, two unique melodies in the grand symphony of salvation. The Spirit, the breath of God, moves through both, inspiring and empowering their ministries.
Advent invites us to move beyond the superficial, to look beneath the surface and discern the deeper wisdom at play. It is a call to recognize the multifaceted nature of God’s revelation, to embrace the fullness of His presence in the world.
Perhaps we are too quick to judge, too eager to categorize and label. Maybe we cling to rigid expectations, failing to see the divine dance unfolding in unexpected ways. This Advent, let us soften our hearts, open our minds, and allow ourselves to be surprised by God.
Let us cultivate a spirit of attentiveness, listening for the subtle whispers of the Spirit amidst the noise and distractions of our lives. Let us seek the wisdom that is “vindicated by her works,” the wisdom that leads to compassion, justice, and love.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, let us remember that the Incarnation is not merely a historical event but an ongoing reality. The Trinitarian God continues to come to us, to dwell among us, to transform us. May this Advent be a time of profound encounter, a season of renewed hope and joyful anticipation.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Understanding Jesus’ Heart:
Compassion for the Lost: Jesus’ lament reveals His deep compassion for those who resist Him. It shows His yearning for them to recognize and embrace the love He offers. Reflecting on this can deepen your own empathy and compassion for others, drawing you closer to Jesus’ heart.
Daily Scripture Reflection
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Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post