Summary: Jesus likened the current generation to children in marketplaces, discontent with any approach: they criticized John the Baptist for his asceticism, labeling him demon-possessed, and condemned Jesus for his sociability, accusing him of excess. He concluded that true wisdom is proven right by its outcomes, regardless of criticisms.
Gospel Acclamation: The Lord will come; go out to meet him! He is the prince of peace.
Jesus said to the crowds:
“To what shall I compare this generation?
It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’
The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’
But wisdom is vindicated by her works.”