To what then will I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the market-place and calling to one another,“We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not weep.” For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, “He has a demon”; the Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!” Nevertheless, wisdom is vindicated by all her children.’ (Luke 7:31-35)

Why are we so inclined to criticism?

Why do we so often indulge in doubt, skepticism, and even cynicism?

I perceive these attitudes are born of fear. We are afraid of being criticized, afraid to believe, afraid to remain open and vulnerable.

Criticism and cynicism are barriers to exclude what we fear.

But, too often, the same barriers also exclude faith, hope, and love.

Dear God, give me the courage to be open to your love and the love of others.

Even when it hurts.