(Edited) Sunday reflections: (From) years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)
September 28, 2014
Ezekiel 18:25-28
Psalm 25
Philippians 2:1-11
Matthew 21:28-32
"Which of the two did what the father wanted?"
There is a father and two sons in this parable. The father ordered his two sons to work in their family's vineyard. The first son replied "yes", but did not go and do as his father told him. The second son was a direct opposite to his brother: he said "no", but regretted it and went afterwards. After Jesus finished telling this parable, He turned to those who listened and asked them: "which of the two did what the father wanted?" And the people all replied, "the second son".
(note: to avoid confusion in this parable, there are other modern translations, like The Good News Bible and the Revised Standard Version, which has the story the other way around - it is the first son, or elder son, who said "no" but later repented and did his father's will).
It is easy to see how some fail to obey God's will like the first son. Look at the many "I dos" or "I will" some said, but never did, and the many "Amens" others prayed, but never acted upon. And for some who said "no" like the second son, there is always the grace of God's mercy to realize one's wrong and do what supposed to be done. Remember, the Church is not only a Church of saints, but sinners as well. If you search the book "Saints Behaving Badly", by Thomas Craughwell, you will read inspiring stories of how God's mercy turned a list of about 28 cutthroats, crooks, trollops, con men and devil worshippers into Saints. The message of Craughwell's book is like the parable in the gospel: there is hope for all who said "no" like the second son.
The Lord wants to teach that as long as anyone returns to God with a contrite heart and directs his life towards amendment, there is hope for final redemption and salvation. Jesus is the faithful's best example - the only Son who said "Yes" to the Father, and at the same time did His Father's will (even if it meant suffering and death on the Cross). Jesus is the Word that fulfills the salvific plan of the Father for all humanity. How some words of "yes" pale in comparison to His Word - a "Yes" of total trust and confidence to His Father's will. That is why the Lord instituted the Eucharist. By this, He gives Himself in the form of bread and wine, to strengthen the faithful's "Amen" as a Church, that all may do the will of God in their daily work and life.
Scripture quotes for reflection:
"Good and upright is the Lord; thus he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way." (Psalm 25)
No comments:
Post a Comment