Reflection for September 17 Wednesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 7:31-35

Gospel: Luke 7:31-35

(Jesus said to the crowds) “To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like?  They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep. 

For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon. The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners. But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

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Reflection:

Why did the Pharisees and scribes refuse to hear the message of conversion and hope from John and Jesus? There are many reasons why they refused to listen to their call for change. But primarily, Jesus and John were nobodies to them; the Pharisees and scribes were the ruling class and leaders of their time. So why should they listen to the message of these two “nobodies”? 

By their contemptuous treatment of John and Jesus, they deprived themselves of a truly meaningful life—a life not rooted in earthly power but grounded in a higher power that transcends this world. 

Why do many of us also refuse to hear the message of conversion from John and Jesus today? Because, like the Pharisees and scribes, we often love the pleasures and attachments of this world more than the wisdom-filled words of Jesus and John. This is why so many of us harden our hearts and close our ears to their call for repentance. 

But what good would it do us if we gain everything the world can offer yet live without Jesus? Could we carry our wealth and possessions into eternity? Could our love for earthly treasures ever secure our passage to heaven? 

What if we choose instead to hear and ponder the conversion message of John and Jesus? We would certainly inherit the riches of heaven, even if we remain materially poor in this fleeting world. 

It is absolutely better to be materially poor yet rich with Jesus in our hearts than to be wealthy without Him. For with Christ, poverty becomes fullness, and with Christ, weakness becomes strength. 

The Pharisees and scribes turned away from the invitation of John and Jesus because of pride, power, and worldly attachments. How about us? When the Lord calls us to repentance and deeper faith, will we respond with humility and love—or will we allow the noise of this world to drown out His voice? 

Today, the challenge is as clear as the water in a stream: Will you choose to cling to the passing riches of this world, or will you embrace the eternal treasure of having Jesus as the Lord and foundation of your life? — Marino J. Dasmarinas