The Gospel reading shows clearly that the people in Jesus' time did not listen to Him. This is illustrated in the parable of the children in the market place (11:16-17) where there was a lack of response on the part of Jesus' contemporaries to Himself and John. They refused the offer of salvation and rejected Jesus and John. Despite this rejection, wisdom is justified and both John and Jesus will be vindicated.

Selfishness leads many to fail in committing themselves to their Christian call. If we remain complacent, neutral observers to situations of injustice, we are considered as not receiving the Good News and giving no response to the message received.

This is further evidenced in Isaiah wherein we see how the Word of God is authoritative so that obedience or disobedience has a lasting effect (Deut. 27 and 28). If obeyed, prosperity and victory are ensured. This re-echoes the promise made to Abraham. We are also assured of the protecting hands of God if we really obey what He commands.

During this Advent season, let us be reminded by the daily readings in our preparations to welcome Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, into our midst. This waiting is one of expectancy to experience the heart of God in Jesus: in listening to what the Spirit prompts us to respond to every day of our life.