Daily Reflection for Friday, December 13, 2019
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Friday’s readings at this link:
http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121319.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Isaiah 48: 17-19
Responsorial: Psalm 1: 1-4 & 6
Gospel: Matthew 11: 16-19
Our reflection on Friday’s readings:
“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.” Matthew 11:19
When you die, what will people remember about you? What would you like people to remember? What was your impact on the lives of others?
When I think of the most influential people in my life, it’s quite simple and yet sometimes complex.
For example: One friend is always kind and loving. A daughter is wise and brave to speak her wisdom. My grandfather loved me unconditionally. Mom is a great cook. My aunt is a strong Christian woman with great values.
Many people would see my friends and relatives through a different lens than I. Some probably criticize and judge them.
I’m sure my strong Christian aunt had many run ins with other parishioners at her church when things weren’t done her way. One might say my kind, loving friend never addresses problems with others. Many people, even family members were at odds with my grandfather. He may have loved me, but he didn’t treat others quite so kindly. Although I embrace people speaking up, our daughter probably makes some people uncomfortable when she addresses issues that need to be confronted.
From today’s scripture we know that people will talk, people will judge and criticize, they will see the worst in a situation and the worst in others. They found ways to criticize Jesus. “Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.”
What do people remember about Jesus today? Regardless of religion, I doubt that anyone would say he was a drunkard and glutton. Those who know anything about Jesus would probably say he fed the poor, healed the sick, forgave sins, was non-violent, a great preacher an example of how to live. As Christians, we know he died so we could be saved. “Wisdom is vindicated by her works.”
What are the fruits of our labor, our time on earth, our lives? What legacy do we leave? What do we want to leave and how can we make that happen?
Blessings to you,
Ruth Mytty