A Homily on Matthew 11:16-19 :From Indifference to Response (12-12-25)

A profound Advent reflection on Matthew 11:16-19 and Isaiah 48:17-19 calling us from indifference to hearts ready to listen and respond. (12-12-25)

Praise be to Jesus Christ 

There was once a monastery known for its deep prayer. Every evening, an old monk walked slowly through the corridor, ringing a small bell. At the sound of the bell, the monks gathered in the chapel, hearts united in prayer. But as years passed, a quiet danger began to enter. One monk thought, “I will come in a few minutes. I know the time.” Another said, “I prayed well this morning. Missing once will not matter.” The bell continued to ring, but the response grew slower, quieter, almost polite. Slowly, their hearts stopped leaping at the call. One evening, the old monk held the bell and said softly, “Brothers, this is indifference. When the heart stops caring for what is holy, everything holy begins to fade.” They nodded but did not change. Years later the monastery was empty. Indifference had quietly destroyed it.

This story helps us understand the sorrow in today’s Gospel. Jesus says the people of His time were like children who refused to respond. When the flute played, they did not dance. When the lament was sung, they did not mourn. John came with a strong life of discipline, and they stayed unmoved. Jesus came with gentleness and mercy, and again they stayed unmoved. The problem was not John or Jesus. The problem was a heart that had grown comfortable and indifferent. The bell of God rang, but it no longer stirred their hearts.

Today’s first reading from Isaiah 48:17-19 reminds us of the alternative. God says, “I am the Lord who teaches you what is good and leads you on the way you should go. If only you had listened to my commandments, your peace would have flowed like a river.” God is speaking to hearts that refuse to listen. He shows that life following Him brings peace and blessing. But indifference blocks the flow of this life. In our families, in our religious communities, in our personal lives, the same can happen. We hear the instructions of God in scripture, in prayer, in the advice of elders, but we delay. We think we understand already. Slowly the river of peace stops flowing.

The saints show us the path out of indifference. Saint Francis heard a simple call to rebuild a ruined chapel and responded immediately. Saint Joseph obeyed a dream without hesitation, welcoming Mary and Jesus into his home. Saint Therese found God in the smallest acts and never ignored the whisper of His love. These hearts were awake. They listened. They responded. They did not delay.

Isaiah 6:8 gives us the ultimate model. The prophet hears God asking, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” and without hesitation, he says, “Here I am. Send me.” Unlike the indifferent hearts of the Gospel, Isaiah leaps forward at the sound of God’s call. He shows us that holiness, life, and peace flow from hearts that do not ignore the bell of God, whether it comes in scripture, prayer, or the needs of others.

This Advent, God is still ringing the bell. He calls us to listen, to respond, to act with love in our families, our communities, and our own hearts. Let us not allow indifference to quietly destroy what is holy within us. Let us say with Isaiah, “Here I am, Lord. I will go.”

Lord Jesus, help me to discern you will and do it instantly. Amen

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God Bless…