Sermon - Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

<p>I am a big fan of Dr. Anthony Fauci.  I have been for years.  If you look at the work he has done and accomplished in his lifetime, you will find it impressive and stellar.  And, he is deeply respected in the scientific community. However, it is deeply concerning that so many leaders and people in our country simply are not listening to him as he <strong>has been</strong> speaking and <strong>continues</strong> to speak to us about COVID-19.  In many ways, he is a prophet in our time as he tells us what we <strong>should</strong> be doing and warns us about what is to come if we do <strong>not</strong> do the things necessary to mitigate this virus. His message is rooted in science and it is very clear.  In fact, just this past week he said too many people, especially young adults, are unconcerned by coronavirus and, consequently, they are carelessly shedding this virus and ultimately killing other people. Far too many people just do not seem to listen. I find it deeply troubling because it is as though they simply do not <strong>understand</strong>.</p> <p>In today’s gospel reading Jesus is also talking about people who <strong>do not understand</strong>.  He shares this little parable about children playing in the marketplace, and <strong>their</strong> songs are never quite <strong>understood</strong>.  The children play a glad, happy song for their friends, but no one dances.  Then, they play a sad, mournful dirge, but no one mourns or weeps.  Jesus goes on to say, the children were no better <strong>understood</strong> than John the Baptist or he, himself. </p> <p>Jesus is addressing the failure of society to <strong>understand</strong> the <strong>reasons</strong> for dancing and the <strong>reasons</strong> for weeping. He is addressing the failure of society to <strong>understand</strong> and respond to the messages <strong>he</strong> and <strong>John</strong> the Baptist had proclaimed.  Their messages had been extremely clear.  However, society – the entire generation – was unfaithful and fickle.  T