The Twenty-Sixth Sunday of Ordinary
Time - A
Time - A
Reading I:
Ezechiel 18:25
Psalm: 25
Reading II:
Philippians:2:1-11
Gospel:
Matthew 21:28-32
Ezechiel 18:25
Philippians:2:1-11
Matthew 21:28-32
A child might illustrate the parable of the two sons with the above stark simplicity!! Yet as adults, we know that things are so much more complicated.
I immediately think of Saints Peter and Paul when I read this parable. At the Last Supper, Peter refuses to let Jesus wash his feet, not really understanding the significance. However, when Jesus tells Peter that unless he allows Him to wash his feet, he will no longer be His disciple, Peter begs Jesus to wash his hands and his head also.
Later, Peter impetuosity tells Jesus that he is ready to die for him. Sadly, Jesus predicts that Peter will deny him. However, after his conversion and many years of preaching the risen Jesus, Peter has grown spiritually to a point that indeed he became willing to die for Jesus. He even requested being crucified upside down since he did not feel worthy to die as Jesus did.
St. Paul (originally referred to as Saul) in his younger years zealously persecuted the Christians. However, one day on his way to Damascus, he had a vision of the resurrected Jesus who said to him: “Saul, Saul, why thou persecutest me?” Saul responded: “Who art thou, Lord?” Then, Jesus revealed, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest....”
After his conversion, Saul (then called Paul) just as zealously traveled the Mediterranean Sea area proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God. He spent his time totally bringing the “Good News” to the Gentiles (non-Jews).
Paul endured much persecution. He faced many hardships, shipwrecks, imprisonment, and he ultimately experienced martyrdom. It is believed that Paul was beheaded under the reign of Nero.
What is the message in the parable for us? I believe that God is super patient with us if we are
sincere like Sts. Peter and Paul. However, if we just give lip service, we will pay the price. Let us ask the Lord to help us to be truly honest with ourselves and learn to “Walk the Talk.”
Reflection Question: How can I help myself to be faithful to my commitments to the Lord and His people?
I immediately think of Saints Peter and Paul when I read this parable. At the Last Supper, Peter refuses to let Jesus wash his feet, not really understanding the significance. However, when Jesus tells Peter that unless he allows Him to wash his feet, he will no longer be His disciple, Peter begs Jesus to wash his hands and his head also.
Later, Peter impetuosity tells Jesus that he is ready to die for him. Sadly, Jesus predicts that Peter will deny him. However, after his conversion and many years of preaching the risen Jesus, Peter has grown spiritually to a point that indeed he became willing to die for Jesus. He even requested being crucified upside down since he did not feel worthy to die as Jesus did.
St. Paul (originally referred to as Saul) in his younger years zealously persecuted the Christians. However, one day on his way to Damascus, he had a vision of the resurrected Jesus who said to him: “Saul, Saul, why thou persecutest me?” Saul responded: “Who art thou, Lord?” Then, Jesus revealed, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest....”
After his conversion, Saul (then called Paul) just as zealously traveled the Mediterranean Sea area proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God. He spent his time totally bringing the “Good News” to the Gentiles (non-Jews).
Paul endured much persecution. He faced many hardships, shipwrecks, imprisonment, and he ultimately experienced martyrdom. It is believed that Paul was beheaded under the reign of Nero.
What is the message in the parable for us? I believe that God is super patient with us if we are
sincere like Sts. Peter and Paul. However, if we just give lip service, we will pay the price. Let us ask the Lord to help us to be truly honest with ourselves and learn to “Walk the Talk.”
Reflection Question: How can I help myself to be faithful to my commitments to the Lord and His people?
Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...
Parábola de Dos Hijos
¡Un niño puede ilustrar la parábola de los dos hijos con la simplicidad de arriba! Sin embargo, como adultos, sabemos que las cosas son mucho más complicadas.
Pienso inmediatamente en los Santos Pedro y Pablo cuando leo esta parábola. En la Última Cena, Pedro se niega a dejar que Jesús se lave los pies, sin comprender realmente el significado. Sin embargo, cuando Jesús le dice a Pedro que si no le permite lavar sus pies, ya no será su discípulo, Pedro pide a Jesús que lave también sus manos y su cabeza.
Más tarde, Pedro impetuosidad le dice a Jesús que está dispuesto a morir por él. Tristemente, Jesús predice que Pedro le negará. Sin embargo, después de su conversión y de muchos años de predicar al Jesús resucitado, Pedro ha crecido espiritualmente hasta un punto en el que de hecho él estaba dispuesto a morir por Jesús. Incluso pidió ser crucificado boca abajo ya que no se sentía digno de morir como Jesús lo hizo.
San Pablo (originalmente llamado Saúl) en sus años más jóvenes perseguía celosamente a los cristianos. Sin embargo, un día de camino a Damasco, tuvo una visión del Jesús resucitado que le dijo: “Saúl, Saulo, ¿por qué me persigues?” Saulo respondió: “¿Quién eres tú, Señor?” Entonces Jesús “Yo soy Jesús a quien persigues ...”
Después de su conversión, Saúl (entonces llamado Pablo) viajó celosamente por la zona del Mar Mediterráneo proclamando que Jesús es el Hijo de Dios. Pasó su tiempo trayendo las “Buenas Nuevas” a los Gentiles (no judíos).
Pablo sufrió mucha persecución. Se enfrentó a muchas dificultades, naufragios, encarcelamientos, y finalmente experimentó el martirio. Se cree que Pablo fue decapitado bajo el reinado de Nerón.
¿Cuál es el mensaje en la parábola para nosotros? Creo que Dios es super paciente con nosotros si somos sincero como Sts. Pedro y Pablo. Sin embargo, si acabamos de dar un saludo, vamos a pagar el precio. Pidamos al Señor que nos ayude a ser verdaderamente honestos con nosotros mismos y aprendamos a “Caminar la Conversación”.
Pregunta de reflexión: ¿Cómo puedo ayudarme a ser fiel a mis compromisos con el Señor y Su pueblo?
Sr. Elisabeth Meadows, OSB, in a reflection entitled, “The Road to Life,” writes: “When it comes to choices, it seems as if we all have two roads, two ways, two voices within us, each making a claim on our will.”
ReplyDeleteIf there was ever a time that I said I would do something and then failed to do it, the inaction was not intentional. Going back on my word is just not a part of my operating system. On the other hand, I certainly have said, “no” only to regret it and decided to do the requested action. When I think about why I took that path, if I am honest, guilt may have played a role in my decision. For the times I said, “yes,” and did what I promised, I often carried resentment, acting out of a sense of obligation. I was caught in a tug-of-war between my “self-will” and the knowing that I ought to contribute to the well-being of another. The personal message contained in this parable for me is that of surrender. In order for me to “Walk the Talk” of a true follower of Christ, I need to totally surrender to the will of God.
Paul instructs the Philippians to be selfless and humble, regarding others as more important than themselves. To accomplish this level of being we need to possess “the same attitude that is in Christ Jesus.” A strong relationship with Jesus, through prayer and mindful living, is needed for us to be able to “empty ourselves” and serve as Christ did. It is a progressive journey. Throughout the New Testament we see Peter faltering and falling short. But with the love of Jesus deeply rooted in his heart Peter rebounded with a stronger faith. I easily identify with Peter. My choices have become easier and clearer to make as I endeavor to connect to the mind and heart of Jesus.
As Sr. Elisabeth notes, “The son who eventually made the right choice didn’t get it right the first time, and sometimes neither do we…The narrow way, although a choice of the will, is ultimately a choice of the heart, It is not really a path we follow but a voice that beckons.” May I hear and heed that voice so that through my choices others will see the teachings of Jesus reflected in my life.
Pat C., ASBS
The charming simplicity of the unusual illustration is absolutely precious. and will probably attract a great deal of attention. Of course, we understand that it represents a drawing by a young child. It is not a professional picture, but it certainly delivers a message.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the Gospel story for this Sunday, it seems unfortunate that neither son actually obeyed the instruction to work as he should have. The first one refused quite disrespectfully, although he changed his mind and actually worked in the vineyard later. The second politely answered, "Yes, sir", but did not even go there at all. We can imagine how disappointed their father must have been.
As various situations arise in our lives, we need divine guidance, encouragement and assistance to cope with them. God will always help us "walk the walk", even before we "talk the talk" if we ask Him sincerely. "Let us pray!"
On Monday, October second, the Church will celebrate the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. Our Catholic catechism reminds us that "From infancy to death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and protection." (CCC 336). How grateful we are! Each and every one of us has a very special angelic protector! We'll certainly thank them! Then, after we pray to our own precious guide, we'll also think of St. Katharine Drexel, whose favorite and frequently expression was,"O Holy Angels!"