To what shall I compare the people of this generation?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twenty Fourth Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 7:31-35*

*First Reading : 1 Tm 3:14-16*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6*

*“To what shall I compare the people of this generation?*

*1) Meaning of the Phrase*

Jesus is comparing the people of His generation to spoiled or fickle children who complain no matter what is offered to them. 

The idea is:

They play a happy tune (flute) – but the others don’t dance.

They play a sad song (dirge) – and the others don’t mourn.

In other words, nothing satisfies them. They refuse to engage, no matter the approach.

Jesus explains this further in the following verses:

John came with fasting and austerity—they said, “He has a demon.”

Jesus came with joy and compassion—they said, “He’s a glutton and a drunkard.”

The people found a reason to reject both, revealing their hardened hearts, not the flaws of the messengers.

*2) Deeper Interpretation*

This passage isn't just about ancient Israel. 

It’s about the human tendency to resist truth when it doesn't fit our expectations. 

People often say they want truth, healing, or leadership—but when it's offered in a form they don’t like, they reject it.

It's not about the message—it's about the heart condition of the listener.

*3) To the Present Day context its application*

*A) Fickleness & Cynicism Today*

In today’s culture, many people are similarly impossible to please:

They criticize leaders for being too bold… or too soft.

They reject faith for being too strict… or too permissive.

They dismiss truth when it's inconvenient, no matter how it’s presented.

Are we truly open to the truth—or only to the version of truth that flatters us?

*B) Rejection of Both Radical and Gentle Voices*

Just like in Jesus’ time:

The radical prophet is labeled extreme or fanatical.

The compassionate healer is dismissed as naive or compromising.

We see this with moral voices in society today:

If someone speaks with intensity, they’re "judgmental."

If someone speaks with grace, they’re "soft" or "too inclusive."

Sometimes people reject the message not because it’s wrong, but because it demands something of them.

*C) A Call to Self-Examination*

Jesus isn’t just criticizing others—He’s calling people to examine themselves:

“Why aren’t you responding to what God is doing—even in forms you didn’t expect?”

*Modern Question:*

Am I open to hearing God through unexpected people or methods?

Or do I reject what’s uncomfortable because it challenges my way of life?

*4) Spiritual Reflection*

God's truth may come in ways we don’t prefer.

Are we open to the John-the-Baptists and the Jesus-like voices?

Our response reveals our heart.

The issue is not the messenger, but whether we’re truly seeking wisdom, truth, and transformation.

“Wisdom is proved right by all her children.” (Luke 7:35)

Meaning: True wisdom shows itself in the fruit it produces—not in the opinions of critics.

*5) Final Thought*

In every generation—including ours—people can fall into the trap of waiting for a message that suits their taste instead of seeking truth that changes their heart. 

Jesus’ question is timeless. It still challenges us:

“What kind of listener am I?”

“Am I playing games with truth—or responding to it?”

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*