Twenty Sixth Sunday of the Year (Year A)

Twenty Sixth Sunday of the Year October 01, 2023

Ezekiel 18:25-28   Philippians 2:1-11   Matthew 21:28-32

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An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife, enjoying his extended family. He would miss the pay check, but he needed to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a favour. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career. When the carpenter finished his work the employer came to inspect the house. He handed the front-door key to the carpenter. "This is your house," he said, "My gift to you!" The carpenter was shocked! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently.

We build our own life, don’t we?

We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building. Then with a shock we realize we have to live in the house we have built. If we could do it over, we'd do it much differently. We always get invitations to do good. God invites us to embrace his love and mercy. Why not listen to the invitation wholeheartedly and build our houses (lives) wisely?

In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus tells a parable about two sons. A father asks his two sons to go and work in the vineyard. The first son initially refuses but later goes and works. The second son agrees to go but does not follow through. Jesus then asks which of the two sons did the will of the father, and the people rightly respond that it was the first son.

This parable teaches us an essential lesson about repentance and conversion. The first son represents those who, at first, may have turned away from God's call but later come to their senses, repent, and obey God's commandments. The second son, on the other hand, symbolizes those who make empty promises, saying they will follow God's way but do not actually do so.

How often do we find ourselves in the position of these two sons? Are we quick to say "yes" to God but slow to act on our promises? Or have we, at times, been hesitant to respond to God's call but ultimately turned towards Him in repentance and obedience?

In the parable, it is the first son's change of heart and willingness to obey that matters most. God values our genuine repentance and transformation over empty words and promises. We should never underestimate the power of God's grace to lead us back to Him when we have strayed.

The first reading further emphasizes the importance of repentance and conversion. The prophet Ezekiel reminds us that God's ways are just and fair. God does not desire the death of the sinner but rather that they turn away from their wickedness and live. Our God is a God of second chances, eager to welcome us back when we return to Him with contrite hearts.

As we reflect on these readings, we might ask ourselves: What areas of our lives need conversion and renewal? Are there sins or behaviours that we need to let go of in order to more fully embrace God's love and mercy?

In today's world, there are many distractions and temptations that can lead us away from God's path. Materialism, selfishness, and the pursuit of worldly success can easily consume our lives and push God to the margins. But God's invitation to repentance and conversion is always open. No matter how far we have strayed, we can turn back to Him and find forgiveness and new life.

Let us remember that God's invitation to repentance, conversion, and a life of faith is always extended to us. We may have moments of hesitation or even defiance, like the first son in the parable, but God's mercy is always ready to embrace us when we turn back to Him.

Let us also reflect on the words of St. Paul and strive to imitate Christ's humility and selflessness in our daily lives. In a world filled with division and selfishness, our commitment to love and serve others can be a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

As we continue our journey of faith, may we be like the first son in the parable, willing to repent and obey God's call, and may we imitate Christ's humility and selflessness in all that we do. In this way, we can truly embrace God's invitation and experience the fullness of His love and mercy in our lives.

 

Happy Sunday