Word to the Wise
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - Wednesday in the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Tim 3:14-16 and Luke 7:31-35]"To what shall I compare this generation? 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. [Luke]
Jesus puts his finger on something very important: fear of criticism. Much good fails to result when good people hide good deeds for fear of being criticized as being "too religious" or fear persecution, whether social or political. Pastors and other leaders know well that they cannot please "all of the people, all of the time," but they also know it's hard, if not impossible, to please "some of the people, all of the time." In today's gospel, Jesus points out that John the Baptist was dismissed because his behavior seemed bizarre and so his message was disregarded. Jesus, in his turn, was 'normal' by comparison, but he associated with "sinners and tax collectors" and his message was therefore rejected by many. His last line, however, is the one we should pay attention to: "But wisdom is vindicated by all her children."
The effort to live out the teachings of Jesus in the gospels will always attract comment. Yes, it is possible to be excessive in a way that discredits faith. Devotional behavior can prevent the gospel from being heard when, like that of the Pharisees, it takes the place of the teaching. But a consistent attention to love of neighbor and care for those in need is the vindication of wisdom. Forgiveness and rejection of violence of any kind will always be met with a "What if....?" question of some sort.
In 1 Peter 3:15, we read, "Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you." If we are afraid to do that, for fear of being criticized, the gospel will not be heard or experienced in our words or deeds. AMEN
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