The Two Paths

Today’s readings reveal to us two vastly different paths of life. On one path we find the “seat of the scoffers,” those who watch the scene with cynicism and refuse to participate. On the other, we find those who “delight in the law of the Lord.” How do we distinguish between the two paths? As we walk through life in this world, how do we follow the path to which the Lord is calling us?

The Good Tree

Psalm 1 beautifully illustrates the way of true happiness by invoking the image of trees planted by streams of water. The soul that delights in the law of the Lord remains deeply anchored in Him, nourished by His word as trees are nourished by running water. Such souls, we observe, do not wither away with the change of weather, but bear fruit in due season. In contrast, those who do not abide in the Lord succumb to the elements around them, “like chaff that the wind drives away.”

Clearly, if given the choice, we would all choose to be like “the good tree” which bears good fruit. Yet how? And what does that path entail?

The Children’s Call

A careful meditation on today’s Gospel reading illuminates the nature of the good path. To appreciate its full meaning, we must trace back to the beginning of the chapter, in which the disciples of John the Baptist come to Jesus, asking if he is the Messiah. In reply, Jesus enumerates the healings and miracles He has accomplished. He then turns to the crowds and speaks of their curiosity about John. “What did you come out into the desert to see?” He asks. Jesus explains that John is greater than all who came before him because through his call to repentance, he is the forerunner of the Christ.

Then he offers this strange image of children in the marketplace. “To what shall I liken this generation?” Jesus asks. He speaks of children in the marketplace who called out to the crowds saying, “We played the flute, but you did not dance; we lamented, and you did not beat yourselves.” Who are the children? And who are the crowds?

Arise and Follow

If we reflect on the passage in context, we discern that Jesus is referring to both Himself and John who have called out to the others, either with joyful friendship and song, or with the ascetical call to repentance. The crowds, however, scoff at the invitation, preferring to remain in their seats of judgment. Such is the stance of spiritual lethargy. Indeed, many of us may fall into this same state of easy self-contentment, for there is a certain comfort about simply sitting. Yet such a position brings with it the danger of apathy. When the Lord calls out to us, will we remain in our seats? Or will we allow ourselves to be stirred awake, either to sorrowful contrition or the joy of following the bridegroom? The life of the true disciple, we see, may involve seasons of both lamentation and song, but never simply sitting.

In closing, let us consider again the image of the tree planted by water. Years ago, when I was in RCIA, each Sunday morning on the way to class I would pass by a lovely, flower-like water fountain centered in a small pond. I often stopped to gaze at that fountain which, with its constant flow of running water, seemed to proclaim the Spirit of God, “unchanging, yet ever new.” I sensed a kind of effervescent joy in that fountain, springing not simply from the pond but from something much greater. Such joy is the fruit which comes from following the path the Lord has called us to. When we hear His call, whatever the season of our life, may we rise to our feet and follow him.

[Readings: Is 48:17-19; Mt 11:16-19]