We would like to think that reaction and response might sound similar.
A reaction may be described as a reverse movement or tendency; an action in a reverse direction or manner, or an action in response to some influence, event, etc.
A response may just be an answer or reply, as in words or in some action.
So a reaction and a response do not have much of an obvious difference as such.
But we may think of reaction as going against, whereas we can look at response as connecting with.
In the gospel, the Pharisees and scribes seemed to be reacting to eating and drinking habits of the disciples of Jesus by comparing them to the disciplined habits of the disciples of John the Baptist.
In their reaction, they had already formed a judgment on the disciples of Jesus.
In the 1st reading, St.Paul urged the Christian community to refrain from premature judgment about anybody's role in the community.
Because premature judgment is like a reaction which goes against others and causes dissension and animosity.
But to be able to respond to the criticisms and judgments around us instead of reacting, then we must first make a renewed response to God's call to us.
God has entrusted us with His love. Our response to God is to be found worthy of His trust.
When we start responding to God's love within us, then we will also begin to connect with people around us in love.