Long before computer games, TV, and other sedentary indoor games came to dominate families, children in good-weather places used to play outside in the open. They acted out roles that were dominant in society then. They played policemen, soldiers, lumberjacks, builders, farmers, priests, teachers, and housewives. They acted out social events like funerals, and weddings. They climbed trees to look for fruit, they rode bicycles and they competed among themselves in soccer and sprints. It was an active, creative, and outdoorsy world for most children.
One thing that used to happen in these circumstances is that every child wanted a central role in the game. They wanted to be the first to ride the bicycle, to be assigned the role of goal scorer in a soccer game, to be the “commander of the police officers” or to be the “priest” and not the audience when they acted Mass. When such children did not get what they wanted, some refused to cooperate, sat on the side, and criticized the choice of game or how it was being played. This was all because they did not get their way!
In our gospel today, Jesus addresses that human tendency to refuse to cooperate, and to criticize everything when we fail to get our way. This tendency comes from a hidden selfishness, and a closed mind and heart that refuses to open to other people. When people’s minds and hearts are closed, there is little you can do however good that appears good in their eyes. They will always find fault and reason to criticize. The Lord in our gospel today observed that when John the Baptizer came and was committed to an ascetic life that included fasting, the Pharisees called him names and declared that “he has a demon.” On the other hand, when Jesus came and he enjoyed a good meal and wine, they called him “a glutton and a drunkard.” No matter what “game” or “song” that was played, they refused to “play” or “dance.” They came up with reasons to criticize or oppose – all because it did not fit their personal interests.
My brothers and sisters, several times the Lord plays a “song” for us or invites us to a particular “dance” or “game.” One song might be about the care for the homeless, another about hospitality to the refugee, and a different song about concern for the poor. One “game” or “dance” might be about forgiveness of a family member; another dance might be about regular family prayer. A different game might be about service in your local Church, and another game might be about generosity to the work of God. There are different “songs,” “dances,” or “games” the Lord invites us to on a regular basis but sometimes we refuse to participate in due to a closed mind and heart.
Today we will ask ourselves: What “song” is the Lord playing for me that I need to sing along? What “dance” is the Lord inviting me to that I need to join in? What is God stirring my heart about at this time?
May we in this Mass ask the Lord to grant us an open heart and an open mind to listen and to respond positively to the different invitations He extends to us. Amen.