First Reading: Is 48:17-19; Psalm: 1. R. v. Jn 8:12; Gospel: Mt 11:16-19

OBJECTIVITY

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

John the Baptist was known by the Jews for his ascetic life. The Pharisees and some group of people considered him abnormal and possessed by a demon because his life defied every normal way a human being should live. Jesus came eating and drinking and was friendly to all; but he was considered a glutton. John’s asceticism and rejection of social life was completely detested by the Pharisees. One would then think that the Jews would acknowledge Jesus since he was somewhat different. But no; Jesus was instead given a bad name. He was called a glutton.

Today, we still have people around us who react this way. People who don’t see anything good in whatever we do. All they look out for are negatives even when there are none. They malign our good works and pressure others to believe there is nothing to appreciate in us. The good intentions of people bite them so hard that they feel so uncomfortable and sad until they find a means to discredit them. We need to understand that it is only evil that frowns at something good?

We should be careful what we say about people. When we criticise people out of hatred and jealousy, we encourage evil. Don’t look out for what people say about others. Instead, see and judge for yourself. Also, don’t set out to do things because of compliments and adulations. Some people don’t have that in their DNA. Just do what is right and ignore haters. Because just as Jesus said, “Wisdom is vindicated by her works.” Our good works will still speak for us even when some people don’t accept and appreciate them. Be careful of what you hear about people. And be sure of what you say. 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, we pray for the grace to appreciate the good in one another. Amen.