Wisdom is justified by her deeds

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season:  Second Week : Friday*

*Gospel :  Mt 11:16-19*

*First Reading : Is 48:17-19*

*Responsorial Psalm : 1:1-6*

*Wisdom is justified by her deeds*

*1) Meaning of the Phrase* 

True wisdom proves itself by the results it produces. You can recognize wisdom by what it does, not just what it says.

It’s a way of saying: Time will tell what is truly wise. Actions—and outcomes—reveal the truth better than opinions or criticism.

*2) The context in which Jesus used it*

*A) People criticized both John the Baptist and Jesus*

Jesus is responding to the crowd’s criticism:

John the Baptist lived a very strict, ascetic life. People said he was too extreme, even “demon-possessed.”

Jesus ate with people, attended meals, and associated with sinners. People said he was a glutton and drunkard.

No matter what God’s servant did, people found a reason to criticize.

*B) Jesus’ point*

Despite their different styles:

Both John and Jesus were acting according to God’s wisdom. Their ministries produced good fruit—repentance, healing, transformed hearts.

So Jesus essentially says: “You can judge the truth not by the criticism but by the results. The works show the wisdom.”

*3) How this applies to us today*

 

*A) Don’t be discouraged by criticism* : If even Jesus and John were misunderstood, so will we be. But God's wisdom isn’t validated by popular opinion—it’s validated by faithful action and lasting fruit.

*B) Fruit reveals the truth* : A person’s life reveals whether their choices are wise: Do their decisions bring peace, justice, compassion, growth, healing? Or conflict, harm, or selfishness?

Wisdom is seen in: how we treat others, what our actions produce, and whether our lives reflect God’s character.

*C) Different people can serve God in different ways* : John and Jesus had different styles yet both carried out God’s will.

This teaches us: There is not just one personality type or method God uses. You do not need to imitate someone else’s way of serving. Faithfulness is greater than sameness.”

*D) Look for the fruit in spiritual leaders, not the image* : In an age of influencers and appearances, Jesus reminds us: A leader’s wisdom isn’t proven by charisma or popularity, But by the fruit of their deeds—integrity, humility, and love.

*E) Live so that your life justifies your wisdom* : Our choices should speak for themselves: Kindness that leaves an impact, Integrity even when unseen, Forgiveness that heals relationships, Perseverance that inspires others; Your “deeds”—your way of living—become the testimony of your wisdom.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*