Friday of the Second Week of Advent

Today's Mass Readings

Human nature has not changed much through the generations. Today Jesus is pointing out something about human behavior which every parent or teacher knows so very well. No matter how hard you try to convince someone of your best intentions and the value of what you present, there are always those who are never satisfied. In fact, some people have become set in their ways of thinking. I’m reminded of a statement that was once attributed to a difficult boss: “My mind is made up, don’t confuse me with the facts!”

Perhaps it comes down to the nature of trust leading to something new. One cannot trust unless you’re willing to move out of the familiar and the comfortable and reach toward the gift being presented to you. Jesus is frustrated by those whose primary focus is finding fault with the method and message of John the Baptist. They are closing the shades and slamming the door to an even greater gift still to come after John.

These are good days to examine our attitude toward trust in general and toward trust in the goodwill of someone, especially when the gift being offered could indeed change our life.

Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB