Friday Second Week Advent Mass and Reflection

Mass Scripture readings for today are here

Gospel Matthew  11 :16-19

Jesus said to the crowds:
“To what shall I compare this generation? 

It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another,
‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance,
we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’ 

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said,
‘He is possessed by a demon.’ 

The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said,
‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard,
a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ 

But wisdom is vindicated by her works.”

Reflection 

There is a great reflection on the scripture readings and the gospel here from Fr.Tommy Lane which includes this well known poem attributed to Mother Teresa of Calcutta . It seems to be based on an original version by Dr. Kent M. Keith.

People are often unreasonable,
Illogical and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind,
People may accuse
You of selfish motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful,
You will win some false friends
And some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank,
People may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building,
Someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,
They may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today,
People will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,
And it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you have anyway.

You see, in the final analysis,
It is between you and God;
It never was between you and them anyway.

Another more lengthy and in depth exploration of the meaning of this gospel can be read here 

I also like this cartoon from the Naked Pastor which sums up the endless analysis that sometimes goes on over God's message.