Matthew 21: 28-32
The Word: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092720.cfm
Our Gospel parable today begins: “A man had two sons.” Right away we might be thinking that we are going to hear not about how wonderful these two boys were but rather about how tense things became between a father and his older sons. Jesus told parables to point out differences, sometimes very stark, between the behavior of the characters and that of the main character who represents God. Well, he does not fail to disappoint us this week as we’ve also heard these past two Sunday’s. Yet, the bottom line as the main theme of this story is God’s infinite mercy towards those who seek him no matter at what point. Good news for us.
That being said, 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. Such a culture should not be
imaginary.
The Gospel parable is addressed to the self-righteous
religious leaders in the time of Jesus. They
are obstinate in their viewpoint and rigid in their approach to faith. The
parable is simple and straightforward in its message.
Two sons are asked by their Father to go work in the
vineyard. Remember last Sunday when we heard another vineyard parable about the
generous landowner who paid everyone the same regardless of how long they were
employed.
Today, we hear that one son says “no,” I will not work
there but later he changes his mind and does his Father’s will. The other says
“yes,” with an insincere nod to honor his father 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, our sincere repentance and conversion, 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. We should never be labeled by our past sins but identified by
who we have become. Examples? St. Augustine, St. Ignatius, St. Francis of
Assisi to name a few.
In order to press his point further Jesus reminds the
leaders about the preaching of John the Baptist and his call to 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.
How is such possible - by God's generous grace. Though the tax collectors and prostitutes had said "no" to God, after hearing the preaching of John the Baptist they turned back and said "yes" to him. So their response, though later, places them ahead of the self-righteous religious leader's Jesus addressed in the parable as the sons who said "yes" but never went.
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 division 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." His “no” to God is now a heartfelt “yes.”
Whatever sociologists, historians, and health care
professionals will call this year of 2020 in the future, there is no doubt we
are hearing a great deal of “no” shouted loudly. That followed by violent protest and fierce
political division brings us great concern. As much as this virus epidemic we are caught in! What can we do as people of life
and people of forgiveness?
So, think about your marriage, your personal life, your
family life, your association with friends and strangers, your place of work,
and I reflect on 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? How can we develop a more forgiving spirit
in order to let go of feelings of retribution and wish even those who have hurt
us, to wish them well? 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.
Ask the Holy Spirit, then, to reveal times you have said “no” or still haven’t let go of that negative will. It’s time to let go and to change. It may be time to celebrate what you have seen as life giving and not continue a cycle that promotes harm or hurt. 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.”
God said “yes” to humanity by sending his Son among us,
by the cross and resurrection and now by the gift of the Eucharist, Jesus own
true presence among us. Receiving him
should always push us to let go of resistance and to be willing to work in his
vineyard.
Father,
you show your almighty power
in your mercy and forgiveness.
Continue to fill us with your gifts of love.
Help us to hurry toward the eternal life your promise
and come to share in the joys of your kingdom.
We ask this through Jesus Christ your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.
(Collect of Mass)
No comments:
Post a Comment