Aloof or muddy

Some Christians believe that the most important thing is to be firm and clear about the truth of Christian faith and morals and to avoid anything that might be interpreted as compromise or entanglement with the ways of this world.

Other Christians believe that the most important thing is to make present in this world the love of Jesus Christ and the justice of God by being actively involved as followers of Christ in the problems of this world.

In the former case, the people of this world often denounce such Christians as out-of-touch, holier-than-thou, hypocrites, or other terrible things.

In the latter case, the people of this world often smile patronizingly and use such Christians as de facto allies for very unchristian purposes.

This echoes our Lord’s words in today’s Gospel (Matthew 11:16-19):

“To what shall I compare this generation?
It is like children who sit in marketplaces
and call to one another,
‘We played the flute for you,
but you did not dance,
we sang a dirge
but you did not mourn.’
For John came neither eating nor drinking,
and they said,
‘He is possessed by a demon.’
The Son of Man came eating and drinking
and they said,
‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard,
a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’
But wisdom is vindicated by her works.”

Ideally, of course, we as Christians should strive to be clear and pure while also being active in love and justice.

As in everything, we need to ask the Lord continually for his grace: that we may be true lights in this world and effective salt of this earth.