"Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you . . ."
Ez:
18: 25-28
Phil
2: 1-11
Mt
21: 28-32
A
number of years ago Pope St. John Paul II coined a phrase about the “culture of
life” and the “culture of death.” He was
describing the tragedies of abortion and euthanasia so tolerated in our modern
society and its effect on our culture.
To preserve a culture of life is to uphold the dignity of every human
person no matter what their stage or condition in life; to see this as a
primary cultural value that all would uphold.
Alternatively,
the culture of death promotes or tolerates the violation of the human person
since life is no longer seen as a sacred value; life is considered dispensable
and as Pope Francis termed it encourages a “throw away culture.” The moral
imperative is clear for every one of us to be people of life.
Likewise
what if we imagined a “culture of forgiveness.” Maybe Pope Francis’ image of
the Church as a field hospital where the wounded go to be healed and reconciled
would be more the norm. A culture of forgiveness might be one in which everyone
has multiple chances to get things right. They are more loved than judged.
There is always a time, a never too late opportunity, to seek reconciliation
and healing and to change my life direction.
While personal responsibility is upheld, the opportunity to receive
compassion and mercy is always available.
Such
a culture should not be imaginary and it seems that our Gospel this Sunday
promotes that “culture of forgiveness.”
The
Gospel parable is addressed to the self-righteous religious leaders in the time
of Jesus. It is simple and straightforward
in its message. Two sons are asked by
their Father to go work in the vineyard (remember last Sunday: Mt 20: 1-16).
One says “no” but later changes his mind and does his Father’s will. The other
says “yes” but never follows through.
“Which of the two did his Father’s will?” Jesus asks - obviously the
first son.
Then
the clincher which insulted the chief priests and elders of the people: Jesus
states: “tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before
you.” Wow! How could such shameful sinners, such public
immoral behavior by “those kind” walk ahead of the righteous leaders? Because God’s culture of forgiveness is more
concerned about our present lives than he is about our past. We are invited
every day of our life to get things right; to come back on the mark Jesus shows
us.
In
order to press his point further Jesus reminds the leaders about the preaching
of John the Baptist and his call to a conversion. In the same vein the preaching of Jesus and
his call to embrace a new understanding and direction as well as the prophet
Ezekiel’s words in the first reading today all imply the constant and never
failing invitation to conversion from a God who longs to welcome his
people. As Jesus stated: “When John came to you in the ways of
righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did.
Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds . . .”
Ouch! The truth can sting when it finds
its mark.
Those
consumed by their own vain pursuits are responsible for their choices. The same is true when the good is chosen
regardless at what time. Conversion, a
change of heart, a time to reconsider the “no” I may have said always finds a
welcome forgiveness when we choose the Way that Christ shows us.
In
a culture of forgiveness we would know that change is not an optional
choice. That change of heart, turning back
to God and leaving behind sin and selfishness is God’s invitation to the right
way. God’s mercy is just waiting to be
extended to everyone. A culture of forgiveness
makes that choice clear and supports the importance of changing the direction
of our lives to always aim at that of Christ.
If
we choose to be a people of forgiveness and mercy rather than judgment and
separation then we grow in both holiness and virtue. Virtuous behavior completes us and deepens
our sense of purpose for we are all sinners and we are all in need of mercy.
Every human being is invited to this process but God respects our choice to say
yes or no as we hear in the Gospel this Sunday.
In
the first reading the prophet Ezekiel spares no words: "When someone virtuous turns away from virtue
to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity that he must die.
But if he turns from the wickedness . . . and does what is right and just, he
shall preserve his life . . . he shall surely live."
So,
think about your marriage, your personal life, your family life, your
association with friends and strangers, your place of work, and myself in
priestly service. Is there in place a culture of forgiveness found towards others?
God touches us primarily in community life.
While the sacraments of forgiveness (Reconciliation, Eucharist,
Anointing of the Sick) for example are intimate moments they are offered in and
through the community of the faithful.
What
can we do to institute a more forgiving, more merciful, less judgmental culture?
Our parishes should be ideal models of what the larger culture can be. If there is division, competition, judgment,
selective membership or cliques that is not the work of God.
If
a large group of non-practicing Catholics suddenly showed up at the Church door
after living lives that were sinful or scandalous how would they be met? With indifference, avoidance or with open
arms and mercy? Where would they be invited to sit in the Church? In the back pews or welcomed home to sit in
the front?
If
we stand above others and consider that the words of the Gospel “are not for me
but for them” then today’s readings must call us to task.
“God
help us to create a culture of forgiveness, to inspire each other to change the
direction of our lives and to always be grateful for God’s never failing
mercy.”
O God, who manifest your almighty power
above all by pardoning and showing mercy,
bestow your grace abundantly upon us
and make those hastening to attain your promises
heirs to the treasures of heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son, who lives and reigns
with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.
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