The Lord Teaches and Leads
I have people tell me they are going to teach me this for my good. Growing up I wonder just how well I listened? Because I would somehow get in trouble because I did not listen to what they told me. And not just one time, but several times I would have to relearn the lesson.
Our human nature wants us to believe that we know everything, and my way, of course, is better. Whether we are children in a classroom or a group of people at a lecture, there comes a point where we stop listening and our minds wonder about other things. We drift off, we do not pay attention, or maybe we even fall asleep.
Perhaps what is for our good is not so interesting. To keep our attention focused, we need to be genuinely interested in the topic. God knows that. He simply says if you harken to my commandments. Meaning we need to listen, we need to take them within us, and we need to make them who we are. But as we read the commandments, they are not very exciting.
In the gospel, the children said we played the flute for you but you did not dance. We played a dirge, and you did not mourn. In other words, we played a light, fun tune on the flute but you were not happy. We played a dirge for you, and you did not mourn. Just what do you want?
There is a sense of frustration in what Jesus is saying. Perhaps the question is the clue. Just what do you want? Because the answer is – it is not about you. That’s right, it is not about you. It is about God. He gives us everything. There is not a single thing that is yours, it all belongs to God. Even you belong to God.
So, this is for your good. Pay attention. Turn to God. He only plans for the good for you. Trust in Him and prepare yourself for His coming soon.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and if the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen