Pastor's Letter 20231001 - 01 October 2023 - Responsibility

[Father Michael]

October 1st, 2023

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Parable of the two sons

A Message from Father †Michael

Today’s Theme:  “Responsibility”

Reflections on Today’s Scripture

(Ezekiel 18:25-28)  Each of us is responsible for his or her own conduct, and will be judged accordingly.  Nonetheless, our Blessed Lord holds no grudges and does not allow our clouded past to dim His gifts of grace.

While in exile in Babylon, the Israelites might have blamed their predicament on their fathers and grandfathers.  The idea of heredity and blame was deeply ingrained in the Hebrew consciousness.  This reading is from an entire chapter on personal responsibility and individual sin.

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(Philippians 2:1-5)  Self-seeking behavior and rivalry have no place in the Christian community.  We must imitate the humility of Christ.

^†Paul wished to reawaken his readers to interiorized principle and conviction, in response to sin.  Believers are to guard against selfish ambition, and live their lives being part of the mind, mission and message of Christ—Who had emptied Himself to the privileges of divinity. 

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(Matthew 21:28-32)  Our actions speak louder than our words.  In this parable, the son who rebelled against his father—but then acquiesced—was representative of sinners, whose checkered pasts would seem to have left them closed to change and acceptance of Jesus.  Preconditioning and past habits are not decisive as we chart a course toward salvation.  

The Difference Between “saying,” and “doing.”

Two words, which we say frequently throughout the day, “yes,” and “no,” have great importance.  Sometimes a great deal “hangs” on them, and it’s no exaggeration to say our lives could be summed up in terms of them.  

Of course, it’s not the words themselves, but the spirit in which they are said that makes the difference—“glibly,” without sincerity, or “thoughtfully,” with great authenticity.  At the end of the day what matters is whether or not they are acted upon.

We find there is some of both of the two sons from today’s Gospel in each of us.  Sometimes our performance doesn’t match our promises—we sometimes give our word, but don’t keep it.  Other times, we are capable of turning our “no,” into a “yes.”  

We can learn from both examples.  We have answered “yes” at times when we need to see it through (marriage vows come to mind….)  And, we have said “no” in situations that should and could be turned into “yes,” lest we become known and remembered for what we didn’t do—for the promises we didn’t keep.  

It's easy to say “yes,” in the “morning of life.”  Then, we may not really know what is involved in the task to which we have committed ourselves.  Later, we may have second thoughts, and entertain doubts.  Our “yes” can become a “no.”  If we want to turn our promises into fulfillment, we have to continue to say “yes.”  

The opposite is also possible.  We may say “no,” to something, or someone early on, but, after reflection, see things differently.  A person may make a great mistake, and then redeem themselves—atoning for it—making the rest of their life lovely.  We would do well to remember that both instant willingness to follow through, and reluctant accountability, can show weakness, a lack of love and imprecision of purpose.  

Many of the saints in history were sinners, who initially said “no,” to God, and later changed their minds and said, “yes.”  Among many examples, ^†Augustine, (bishop of Hippo Regia, in Northern Africa, and doctor of the Church,) is perhaps the most obvious.  He forsook his wonton youth and embraced the love of Christ in a most sublime manner.  God’s gracious mercy allows that we will be judged, not by a single act—or stage—but by our whole life.  

In every situation, we are asked that we do our best without fear of failure, or what we might be losing.  When we fall short, we are graciously called to repent and be strengthened.  

Without free will to demur, our acceptance would have no value.  The agreement of a slave does not show appreciation.  If we profess to accept the principles of our faith, but fail to translate that belief into positive action, mere words are of little worth.  Therefore, we must constantly examine ourselves, and try to turn our words into promises, and our promises into fulfillment.  

In the holy sacrifice of the Mass, we worship and honor Jesus, asking for His mercy and His strength.  Jesus paid the ultimate price for us, agreeing to do the Father’s will—perfectly carrying it out, despite the suffering.  So great was His love for us that He held back nothing in rescuing us from sin.  We have only to be open to Him, to receive the precious gift of His love.  By fervently receiving the Holy Eucharist, we have the guarantee of all that we seek and desire.  

May God Richly Bless You!

"Whereas, others may misunderstand my good intentions, judge my words or deeds, find fault or blame,

What they truly do not understand is that God knows my heart;

He knows I am learning and endeavoring to be all I can be."

~~Lori Nawyn, Author~~

What Does the Lord Require?.docx

You may view a recording of today's Holy Mass by clicking here:

 

 

Edited October 1, 2023 by Father Michael