The Holy Prophet Amos (8th c. BC); Venerable Jerome, Presbyter of Stridonium (420)
Romans 10:11-11:2; Matthew 11:16-20
Apostles’ Fast.
Read Matthew 11:16-20
Some people accused John the Baptist of “having a demon” since he lived an extremely ascetic lifestyle. When Jesus came not practising that same extent of asceticism, He was accused of being “a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” Sometimes people are just eager to think the worst about others. It’s often easier to paint others in a negative light because that gives us license to dismiss them when their ideas or even their very existence is inconvenient to us. Both John’s asceticism and Christ’s breaking bread with others are holy endeavours that fulfilled the Father’s will.
Each of us is unique, and likewise, God’s will for each of our lives is unique. Not everyone’s path to holiness is the same. No matter what we do in life, there will always be people who criticize us and think the worst of us. We need to be thick-skinned and remember that our goal is to please God, not to please men. The final verse of today’s reading tells us that Jesus reproached the cities in which most of His deeds of power had been done because they did not repent. We can reflect and think of all the miracles, grace-filled moments, and powerful deeds God has worked in our own lives, but do we still strive every day to repent and conform ourselves to a Christ-like life? Am I living my life in a way that pleases God?