MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 17 SEPTEMBER
September 17, 2025
SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL NOVENA PRAYERS
September 18, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
17 SEPTEMBER, 2025
Luke 7:31-35
Jesus said to the crowds:
“To what shall I compare the people of this generation?
What are they like?
They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another,
‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance.
We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’
For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine,
and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’
The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said,
‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard,
a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’
But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this passage, Jesus compares His generation to children calling out in the marketplace, unsatisfied no matter what is offered. John came with austerity, and they said he was too strict; Jesus came with joy, and they accused Him of excess. The Lord reveals the tendency of hardened hearts to find fault rather than seek truth. God’s wisdom is often displayed in diverse ways—through John’s sternness and through Christ’s compassion—yet both point to the same call to repentance and life. True wisdom recognizes God’s voice regardless of the vessel He uses, choosing humility over criticism.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, open my heart to receive Your word with simplicity and faith. Forgive me for the times I have judged Your messengers or resisted the way You work because it did not match my expectations. Help me to see Your wisdom in every circumstance, whether it comes through challenge or consolation. Grant me a discerning spirit and a docile heart, that I may rejoice in Your truth and walk in the freedom of Your love. Amen
