Readings: Ezekiel 18:25-28, Ps. 25:4-5.6-7.8-9, Philippians 2:1-11, Matthew 21:28-32
“Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you” (Matthew 21:31)
Jesus gave a parable last Sunday about a landowner who kept hiring people into his vineyard even at the eleventh hour, to teach us that even at the last minute, God is willing to accept us into His Kingdom as long as we repent. Somehow, today’s liturgy continues on this same theme. Like the labourers standing idle in the marketplace all day, we may have spent our entire lives in sin, but as the prophet Ezekiel makes clear today, God cares about our present, not our past. This brings us to today’s lessons.
1. What we do outweighs what we say. Actions are more powerful than words.
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus gave a parable of a man who had two sons and wanted them to work in his vineyard. One said, “I will not,” but later had a change of heart and went; the other answered, “I will go, sir,” but did not go. This parable says a lot about many of us Christians. With our lips, we claim to love God, but our actions contradict our words.
Jesus himself expressed this phenomenon when he noted: “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘These people honour me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me…’” (Mark 7:6-7). This is worth pondering upon: “Could I be worshipping God in vain?” It is not the Church we attend or how often we go that makes us Christians; our actions count. When I am not in the Church, what does my behaviour say about me?
Some years ago, I was at a bus stop. Two drivers had a slight collision. One of them came out of his car, shouting down at the other. He hurled all kinds of insults and threats, but the other driver stood still in his vehicle and said nothing. The shouting and threats continued until the first driver decided to throw the first blow. The second driver got out of his car, without uttering a word, retaliated with what I thought was a tiny peck, and the first driver landed on the floor and remained motionless for almost five minutes. Everyone stood laughing while the second driver went back into his car and drove off.
Avoid making promises or issuing threats you don’t intend to fulfil. It is often said that empty vessels make the loudest noise. There is nothing wrong with worshipping God loudly. It is good to let everyone know you are a Christian, but ensure you back your words with actions. Don’t be like that son who promised his father but never went to the vineyard to work. Don’t be that Christian who prays loudly to attract the attention of others in the neighbourhood but acts wickedly towards others.
2. Before taking out the speck in someone’s eye, consider the log in yours.
Jesus made a very touching statement in the conclusion of today’s Gospel passage: “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” Those we judge and condemn may eventually get to heaven while we who claim to be holy are shut out.
In another passage, Jesus explains: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.’” (Matthew 7:21-23).
This calls for a deep examination of conscience. Am I better than those I condemn? The things I preach against in public, do I do them in secret? Jesus warns: “Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.” (Luke 12:2-3).
Avoid condemning others publicly to make yourself look good. We have had politicians in this country condemn others while in office, only to get into similar positions and do worse than those they condemned. Instead of condemning people, learn from their mistakes, make the necessary correction in your life and ensure you do not fall into the same trap. Remember that pride goes before a fall. If you think you are perfect or have arrived, that is precisely when you fall. In today’s second reading, St. Paul said: “In humility regard others as better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3). By so doing, you leave room for continuous self-improvement and growth.
3. Every Saint has a past, but every sinner has a future.
St. John would say: “For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17). On different occasions, Jesus clearly stated, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:31-32, Matthew 9:12-13, Mark 2:17). As much as God hates sin, He truly loves sinners (that is, those honest enough to admit their faults without pointing fingers).
Like the man who buried his talent, we blame others for everything. We find it hard to take responsibility for our sinfulness and remain stuck. However, just as the Prodigal Son came to his senses, the moment we admit we are squarely at fault, sin no longer has dominion over us. Again, like the Prodigal Son who decided to return home, today’s first reading teaches us that God is ever ready to forgive and receive us, regardless of our past. As we often say in the Stations of the Cross, “no matter what my past has been, I can begin anew.”
You may have fallen many times, but today, God is giving you another chance. “When a wicked man turns away from wickedness ... and does what is lawful and right, he shall save his life.” (Ezekiel 18:27). However, never assume you still have time. To borrow the words of Isaiah in last Sunday’s first reading, “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6). This is your eleventh hour, your last chance of going into the vineyard to receive the same benefits as those who have been working all day long. Repent now while you still can.
4. Stop pretending; A true Christian has the mind of Jesus.
Like the son who said I will go but did not eventually go, we fall short of the name “Christian” when our actions contradict our words. Many of us are churchgoers; we pretend to be like Christ, but our minds are far from Christ. We don’t think like Christ, we don’t talk like Christ, and we don’t love our neighbours as Christ did. What must we do to have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus? St. Paul answers this question in today’s Second Reading. They include:
A. Selflessness - “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interest of others.”
B. Humility – “Though he was in the form of God, [Jesus] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant.”
C. Obedience – “And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.”
Notice that each of these qualities requires sacrifice. They involve letting go of my own interests, pride, and will. To be a Christian is to live for others. Unless we reach this stage, we are simply catechumens; we are still on the journey to perfection. Bear in mind that just as Christ was rewarded for his life of sacrifice (selflessness, humility and obedience), our sufferings will never be in vain. Whatever you do for others with a pure mind is a treasure you have stored in heaven. When you are humble, God will lift you above those who humiliate you. When you are obedient, God will make others obey you. Do not give up in your struggle to develop the mind of Christ.
Let us pray: O God, who manifest your almighty power above all by pardoning and showing mercy, bestow, we pray, 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, God, for ever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (26th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Ezekiel 18:25-28, Ps. 25:4-5.6-7.8-9, Philippians 2:1-11, Matthew 21:28-32)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu