In today’s Gospel, Jesus responds to the restless, critical spirit of His generation. John the Baptist came with austerity, and people dismissed him as possessed. Jesus came with joy and welcome, and they labelled him a glutton and a drunkard. Nothing was good enough because their hearts were closed.

Jesus’ parable reminds us how easy it is to stay on the surface, to critique rather than discern, to react rather than receive. But Jesus invites us to something deeper: ‘Wisdom is vindicated by all her children.’ True wisdom is not proven by appearances or opinions, but by the fruit it bears.

Hildegard of Bingen wrote: ‘Wisdom is like the greening power of God—ever fresh, ever new, always bringing life.’ For her, wisdom was a living force, like a vine that spreads and grows. That image helps me remember that when God’s wisdom is present, we see its life-giving power in growth, healing, and renewal.

Pope Francis describes wisdom as learning to ‘see with God’s eyes, hear with God’s ears, love with God’s heart, and judge things by God’s judgment.’ This is what Jesus calls us to: not a wisdom that critiques endlessly, but a wisdom that listens, discerns, and bears fruit in love.

This passage asks me: am I willing to recognise wisdom in unexpected places—in both the fiery challenge of John and the table fellowship of Jesus? Wisdom’s children live lives transformed. May we each lean into God’s wisdom today and may our hearts be softened, our eyes and ears opened, to truly hear and see how the Holy Spirit is moving in our time.