Isaiah 48:17-19 / Matthew 11:16-19
Criticisms and fault-finding are two ugly acts that often dampen and damage the spirit of creativity.
Ugly acts as they are, yet we often give in to the tendency of criticizing the short-comings rather than appreciate and affirming the good and the beautiful.
We may look at the Christmas decorations and say that it is too sparse or too gaudy.
We may listen to the choir singing and say that they are too dull or too showy.
We need to learn how to look out for the good in others and appreciate the beauty in things.
The 1st reading tells us that God will teach us what is good for us and lead in ways that lead to life.
God's ways are demanding as shown in the life of John the Baptist.
Yet in Jesus, we also see that God's ways are also full of joy and life.
We will know when we have learnt the ways of God when we are able to rejoice with those who rejoice and yet share in the sorrow of those in misery.
Let us walk the ways of God and bring back the beauty into this world.