When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’ As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen! ‘But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.” For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon”; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!” Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.’ Matthew 11:2-19
We often watch others and judge without understanding. In many Indigenous traditions, dancing always has some meaning, usually honor, thanksgiving or ceremonial. When settlers first arrive in North America, they saw these as devil worship. Our dances were forbidden and outlawed in many places. The laws stayed on the books until recent history and now everyone wants to participate in our pow wows and dance, still without knowing us nor understanding. John sent others to find out about Jesus, and Jesus offered the miracles that were happening. Yet most who heard him, still did not understand or know Jesus. We are invited today to be wise these days, to seek understanding and relationship and set aside judgement and condemnation.
Wondrous Creator, you gave us joy in all things
you taught the birds and the whales to sing
and brought us music so we might all join in.
Too often, we are afraid of what we do know
and call everything we don't understand evil
though the Creator works through all creation.
Help us to open our hearts to the beauty given
let us rejoice in all that God has created here
and let the music roll over us and move us to dance again. Amen.
