Second Friday of Advent – Is 48:17-19; Matthew 11:16-19

John the Baptist and Jesus were cousins. They differed from each other by way of behaviour: John lived a severely austere life, Jesus sought the company of people and readily stayed with them. Both sent by God – and both rejected by people.

Today, when they are not physically present in this world, who they are and what they said is distorted to suit the way people want to live.

If at times I don’t want to change my behaviour, if I don’t want to turn away from evil, then I am doing everything I can to remain blind and deaf to every person the Lord puts on my road. Whether they express stern penance or gentle mercy, there’s an excuse not to see or hear. I use every pretext to avoid listening to His word, to avoid thinking about it.

Why then am I surprised that I lack peace in my heart, and I find in my behaviour and words of injustice towards others?

We hear today: “I the Lord your God, teach you what is good for you, I lead you in the way you must go.” Our lives are not a hypothetical theory, not a sentimental tale – events take place one after another, decisions have to be taken, actions required, obligations undertaken. That’s why we need to be led and instructed. It’s why we have to trust, to have the courage to trust.

Even just a few steps, even just one step . . . . . in the right direction. Maybe not as I would want or imagine. Yet wisdom has been proved right by her actions. And everyone will be found inadequate in her footsteps.

Lord, open my eyes and ears to Your Word, and set in my heart the courage to trust Your wisdom. May nothing keep me from following in Your footsteps.