Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’” - Luke 7:31-32
So what does this story tell us? First of all, the story means that children are ignoring the “songs” of each other. Some children sing a song of sorrow and that song is rejected by others. Some sang joyful songs for dancing, and others did not enter into the dance. In other words, the appropriate response was not given to the offer of their music.
This is a clear reference to the fact that so many of the prophets who came before Jesus “sang songs” (meaning preached) inviting people to have sorrow for sin as well as to rejoice in the truth. But despite the fact that the prophets poured out their hearts, so many people ignored them.
Jesus gives a strong condemnation of the people of that time for their refusal to listen to the words of the prophets. He goes on to point out that many called John the Baptist one who was “possessed” and they called Jesus a “glutton and drunkard.” The condemnation of the people by Jesus especially focuses upon one particular sin: Obstinacy. This stubborn refusal to listen to the voice of God and change is a grave sin. In fact, it is traditionally referred to as one of the sins against the Holy Spirit. Do not let yourself become guilty of this sin. Do not be obstinate and refuse to listen to the voice of God.
The positive message of this Gospel is that when God speaks to us we must listen! Do you? Do you listen attentively and respond wholeheartedly? You should read it as an invitation to turn your full attention to God and listen to the beautiful “music” He sends forth.
Reflect, today, upon your willingness to listen. Jesus strongly condemned those who did not listen and refused to hear Him. Do not be counted among their number.
Lord, may I listen, hear, understand and respond to Your sacred voice. May it be the refreshment and nourishment of my soul. Jesus, I trust in You.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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