It’s sad to note that some people simply cannot be pleased.
That is exactly what Jesus exposed in Gospel reading of September 16, Memorial of St. Cornelius and Cyprian, Martyrs (cfr. Lk 7,31-35). The people of his time rejected John the Baptist because he fasted too much. Then they rejected Jesus because he mingled with ordinary people, ate with sinners, and attended celebrations. John was “too strict.” Jesus was “too friendly.”
The problem was neither John nor Jesus. The real problem was the hardened heart.
This Gospel is more relevant than ever. We can easily fall into the same trap. We become experts at criticizing. If someone is prayerful, we call him fanatical. If another is approachable and cheerful, we accuse him of lacking seriousness. We find fault with almost everyone while refusing to examine ourselves.
It’s an attitude blocks grace.
God comes to us in many forms. Sometimes he challenges us through demanding people. Sometimes he consoles us through kind friends. Sometimes he speaks in silence. Sometimes through joyful celebration. But if our hearts are closed, no method will ever satisfy us.
We should not forget that holiness is not about following a fixed human formula. It is about allowing God to lead us in the countless situations of daily life. The Holy Spirit knows exactly what each soul needs. He may ask one person to embrace austerity while inviting another to radiate warmth and friendship. Both can be authentic paths to sanctity when inspired by love.
What matters is not style but substance.
Jesus concludes with a striking statement: “Wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” In other words, the proof is in the fruit.
Does a person’s life lead others closer to God? Does it produce humility, charity, patience, purity, and joy? If yes, then God’s wisdom is at work, regardless of whether that person is naturally quiet or outgoing, strict or gentle.
We should be careful not to imprison God inside our own expectations. Divine grace is wonderfully creative. God has never mass-produced saints. Every saint reflects Christ in a unique way. Peter was not John. Augustine was not Francis. Mother Teresa was not John Paul II. Yet all became holy because each allowed God to work according to His plan.
The same is true for us. The real question is not whether God’s ways fit our preferences. The real question is whether we are willing to follow Him wherever He leads.
That demands humility. It also requires openness. We need to stop demanding that God speaks only in ways we like. We need to stop expecting every Christian to resemble us. The Church is beautifully diverse because the Holy Spirit distributes His gifts in countless ways for the good of all.
The Gospel cited above is therefore an invitation to examine our own hearts. Am I always criticizing? Am I slow to appreciate the good in others? Have I become resistant to God’s surprises?
The Lord continues to play His music. Sometimes it is the solemn call to repentance. Sometimes it is the joyful melody of mercy. Blessed are those who know how to respond to both.
Instead of becoming impossible to please, let us become eager to recognize God’s voice in every circumstance. A humble and receptive heart will never miss His invitation. Such a heart grows steadily in wisdom, and its life becomes the strongest proof that God’s grace is alive and at work. (Fr. Roy Cimagala)
