Deacon Stu Dobson’s Reflection
Friday the 2nd week of Advent, December 10, 2021
Is 48:17-19, Ps 1: 1-4, 6, Mt 11:16-19
Have you ever thought about a teacher you had growing up? I mean, the one that really made an impression on you. What was he or she like? Were they gentle? Kind? Challenging and prodding you to do your best? Did you often listen to every word they said and take it all in? Or was the teacher you were thinking about not someone from your school, but someone out in the world that influenced you. Was it a positive, or negative influence? So often, I think, we forget about those who influenced us, taught us to do good, not in the sense of preforming well, but in the sense of moral good.
Jesus ran into that issue with those around Him. It did not matter what He wanted to teach them; they would not listen. And, I have a feeling He was a little irritated at the crowds around Him that day because He called them out for their not-so- nice comments. As Jesus said to them, you say John (the Baptist) was too good and He, Jesus was, a drunkard! It seems like Jesus was not getting any respect that day. But Jesus was not worried, because over time, wisdom will prosper. And, over time we, too, will understand what Jesus’ message is all about.
The prophet Isaiah exhorts us to listen to where the “good” comes from. “I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good.” If only we would listen and not be stubborn hearted like those around Jesus. Blessed is the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked, the psalm cries out, but delights in the law of the Lord.
Think back on that teacher that you were thinking about earlier. Did they teach you the “good” you should know? I am guessing that the answer is yes because those are the ones we tend to remember. But your learning does not have to end there. Go to the Lord your God as Isaiah says and listen to what Jesus says. The Bible is full of His teachings, all we have to do is open it and read. If you get confused or have questions, reach out to our catechists, they are all willing to help explain and help you learn. There are many opportunities here at St. James to learn more. Come, and be part of it to learn the wonderful message of our salvation that Jesus has to offer. For He is the Good we need to listen to, and He is the way we should go.
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