Rejection and Invitation [Proper 9A]
The Rev. Jeremiah Williamson Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 Rejection and Invitation “ Meh. ” That was the response. It's deflating; that is a deflating response. John the Baptist was tearing it up. Yelling words of judgment – the veins on his temples pulsing. He was spinning amazingly devastating metaphors about hacking trees with axes and broods of vipers. He was fearlessly calling powerful people out for their indiscretions. He was drowning sins in the river. He was making the way for the Messiah and the kingdom of God. He was fired up for some repentance. He was wailing, but no one mourned. He was the prophet for which they had long waited, but, you know, folks were busy. And so instead of falling on the mercy of God, folks walked by the river, shrugged their shoulders, and let out a collective, “ meh. ” But that was John; I mean, he was a big deal but it's not like he was the Mes...