26th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A
Sunday, October 01, 2023
Conversion and humility are the themes that run through this week’s three readings as we reflect on their messages. In Matthew’s Gospel reading of the Parable of the Two Sons, very few will have difficulty discerning which of two sons did his father’s will. One son is at first insolent and later obeys the father’s call to work in the vineyard. The other son appears to be obedient on the onset, respecting his father’s desires but because of change of heart, distractions, or simply becoming disobedient, does not do the work asked of him. We all can relate to the father as we draw on own experiences regarding events involving our children, family, friends, or people in general. Think of a time you asked your kids to do a chore. Maybe they said no then later had a change of hearts or maybe one said yes but did not follow through. How about a time when you invited family and friends to a gathering when some accepted the invitation but did not come, and others who did not initially commit, do show up?
As each year draws to a close, we take the opportunity to reflect on our faith, lives, relationships, commitments, and make resolutions to hit new marks or sustain good habits in the new year. Sometimes we succeed in upholding these resolutions, other times we fall short of our goals. When we fall short, it is important to remember what today’s parable teaches us. Where we end up is what truly matters. But why wait for a new year to make our lives, relationships, and commitments better? Why wait to walk closer with God?
While in prison, St. Paul wrote to the Faithful in Philippi: “If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but [also] everyone for those of others.” (Philippians 2:1-4). He calls for Christian unity and gives the life of Jesus as example for them and for us to follow. Jesus, our God, came in human likeness and humbly was obedient to God’s plan for Him. Obedience to death.
There is no need to wait for a new year. Let us resolve today to live a life of obedience and humility guided by Jesus’ humble example. Let’s prayerfully reflect on our lives and ask God for the grace of conversion in all areas where repentance, obedience and renewal is needed. Let us also pray and stay hopeful for God’s grace of conversion for our loved ones.
Lord, I do desire to become holy. I desire to be transformed little by little every day. Help me to allow You to change me every moment of my life so that I can continually walk the path You have laid out for me. Jesus, I trust in You.
(Source of content: mycatholic.life)
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.