THE CHILDREN IN THE MARKETPLACE (LK 7:31-35)
Prayer:
O Jesus, prepare me for the moment when you come to me.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus with his disciples.
Context:
Besides proclaiming salvation, the parables warn us of judgment and call us to repentance. This parable has the cutting edge of urgency.
This parable shows hostility toward Jesus. Because the children cannot agree, their quarrels end their playtime. The cause is laziness. Some children expect others to do the strenuous part of dancing while they just sit around playing instruments.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplace, complaining against other children. “We have piped you a tune and you have not danced. We have sung a sorrowful song and you have not mourned.”
John came fasting and you said, “He has a devil.” The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, “Behold, a glutton and a wine-drinker, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” Wisdom is vindicated by her children.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- God sends his messengers, using various personalities to appeal to everyone.
- The people are lazy and do not respond. Instead, they criticize both John and Jesus.
- Opportunities to accept the Kingdom are lost, and time runs out.
- The decisive moment arrives, but no one is prepared.
- Jesus is God’s final messenger. The Father has sent his only Son.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- How many opportunities will you give me, O Lord?
- Speak now and give me a listening heart.
- Jesus, the time is short. Let me respond right now.
- I will repent, change my life and walk a new path.
- Do not let me ruin my life.
- Send your messengers. I will listen
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I believe God will send his messengers today. I will respond.
+ I will seek the fruits of repentance.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
Children complaining in the marketplace about God’s anointed messengers.