Being Attuned to the Thoughts of God

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 20, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 55:6–9; Psalm 145:2–3, 8–9, 17–18; Philippians 1:20–24, 27; Matthew 20:1–16

Parable of Workers in the Vineyard 
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/C3rpiyRPl6Q

It is pretty normal for us to think that what we wish must happen to us. Therefore, we might get involved actively in the process of getting those things. However, things might not happen to us as we wish. In fact, there are other factors or elements attached to that which might not allow it to happen. As a result, we might begin to question or have suspicions about those things. This might cause us a lot of disappointment and helplessness. Even though we might decide on many things, there are things which may not be in our control. In this context, we have the beautiful Word of God on this 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, inviting us to delve deeper into the mind of God. As the prophet Isaiah says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts," so too are the ways of God. And still, we can connect with God by realizing the deeper mystery of our own lives. Jesus proposes a parable which completely shatters human logic. Hence, as we reflect over these uneasy facts of life, let's put ourselves into the logic of God. 

1. The Generous God Who Calls Everyone

The Gospel of Matthew 20:1–16 presents us with the beautiful and challenging parable of the workers in the vineyard. Jesus tells us about a landowner who goes out at different times of the day to hire workers. Some begin early in the morning, others at midday, and still others just an hour before the working day ends. At the end of the day, surprisingly, all receive the same wage.

The uneasy fact is that those who worked throughout the day become unhappy. They feel that they deserve more because they have worked longer. Perhaps if the landowner had begun distributing the wages from those who started first would have solved the problem temporarily! Even generosity is put into doubt and suspicion. Equal pay for equal work is the norm today. And yet, we put our own parameters to measure our self-worth. This is where the problem begins.

2. God never stops calling

Often we spend quite a lot of our time comparing ourselves with others. Our approach to life is sometimes distorted. We ask: “How much did I do?” “What did the other person receive?” “Why did he get more recognition than me?” “Why did she receive an opportunity when I have worked harder?” The success of another person does not diminish our own dignity.

The workers who came early were not cheated. They received exactly what had been promised to them. Their unhappiness arose because they compared their reward with what others received. We can become dissatisfied not because we have received too little, but because someone else has received something good. Comparison can rob us of gratitude.

3. God sees a bigger picture than us

God's grace is unlimited and beyond our calculations. His generosity is uncontainable. When God blesses another person, it does not mean that there is less blessing available for us. The landowner picks up people at different hours. God never gives up on anyone. People may overlook us, may simply ignore us because we are pretty capable or may be a threat to others. Our capacities and talents may disturb others because of their timidity, low self-esteem, etc. It's a perennial problem in our Church circles, the corporate world and even in our religious communities and institutions. That's why intelligent and capable people are rarely found in decision-making bodies, as consultants, and even in responsible positions.

Some people discover their vocation early in life. Others find their purpose much later. Many feel that nobody believes in them. Employees whose efforts are never recognized. Elderly people who feel forgotten. Students who struggle because nobody has encouraged them. People who have failed and therefore believe they have no future. The Gospel reminds us that God sees those whom others overlook. Human beings may judge us by our achievements, qualifications, wealth, status or past mistakes. God looks at us differently. He sees our dignity, our potential and our willingness to respond.

Questions for self-reflection

1. Do I compare my blessings, achievements, or recognition with those of others?
2. Do I recognize that everything I have ultimately comes from God’s generosity and grace?
3. Am I grateful for what God has given me, or am I constantly focusing on what I do not have?

Prayer

Loving God, thank you for your generous grace and for calling each of us into your vineyard. Free our hearts from envy and comparison, and teach us to be grateful for our blessings and joyful in the blessings of others. Help us to trust in your ways, serve others with love, and respond faithfully whenever you call us. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ

E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net

Blog: Celebrate Faith

Video: YouTube

Posted on 18 September 2026

Let us be Gentle and Nice Always

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 13, 2026

Readings: Sirach 27:30–28:7; Psalm 103:1–4, 9–12; Romans 14:7–9; Matthew 18:21–35

Jan van Hemessen, The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

Sometimes, you feel that the wickedness in the human person is so powerful that there is little chance for kindness, mercy and compassion in one's heart. The man-made tragedies and heinous crimes committed by fellow human beings are so many; it seems there is no end to it. The cycle of wickedness continues to thrive and emerge in different forms. The lessons are learnt, the experiences have strengthened, and yet nothing seems to be moving us. As we delve deeper into the liturgical readings on this 24th Sunday, we are moved with compassion and pity by the Scripture. They poignantly bring out the human tragedies, and yet God is there to encourage us to follow the right path.

1. Forgiveness starts with small acts

The Gospel today Matthew 18:21–35 takes us into the very heart of Christian discipleship: forgiveness. Jesus is not simply asking us to forgive occasionally. He is inviting us to become people whose lives are shaped by mercy. Jesus gives a beautiful parable in order to make his disciples understand the magnanimity of the sense of forgiveness.  A servant who owed an enormous debt was forgiven by the master because he pleaded for mercy. 

Called to Love and Forgive

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 06, 2026

Readings: Ezekiel 33:7–9; Psalm 95:1–2, 6–9; Romans 13:8–10; Matthew 18:15–20

Prophet Ezekiel by Michelangelo
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: 
https://youtu.be/V6VVwjID8wI

What often seems to be simple and easy becomes difficult and complicated. Our mind then takes a 360-degree turn to come back to our senses. We must simply do what we can without hurting others. There are no principles or particular mantras to put things in order. The only guiding principle is just do what you are supposed to do. There is no point in brooding over things and making unnecessary calculations and living in an imaginative world. The liturgical readings on this 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time are simple, straight, radical and clear. Moreover, they give us a responsibility to shoulder in the everyday of our lives: to love and forgive. Jesus invites us to become bridge-builders rather than wall-builders, healers rather than judges, and instruments of reconciliation rather than agents of division.

1. Correct with Love and the Courage to Reconcile

Today’s Gospel, Matthew 18:15–20 speaks about a difficult but essential aspect of Christian life: how to deal with sin, conflict, and broken relationships within the community. Jesus does not ask us to ignore wrongdoing, gossip about others, or immediately condemn them. Instead, he gives us a path towards truth, reconciliation, and restored communion. Jesus says: “If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.” 

Discerning the Will of God in Our Lives

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 30, 2026

Readings: Jeremiah 20:7–9; Psalm 63:2–6, 8–9; Romans 12:1–2; Matthew 16:21–27

The question that always remains with us is whom to follow, which ideology to imbibe, who the trustworthy people are in our circles, and how we can navigate the complexities of the world and still fix our gaze on our God. There are many pulls from every side. Every ideology and direction that we take seems to be right. In this context, we have the awesome readings on this 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Each one is inviting us to look into the deeper reality of life and look at God, who gives us that direction and roadmap.

1. We can believe in Jesus and still misunderstand Him

Last week's Gospel gave us an astonishing answer from Peter to Jesus' question: "Who do people say I am? "The answer was straightforward: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." With this, Jesus bestowed upon Peter the role of leader of the Church. The very next scene follows this week. Unfortunately, not the nicest one, as Peter tells Jesus that all the suffering and death that he might be going through should be stopped at any cost. Peter believes that he must protect Jesus and is ready to thwart any attempt on Jesus. However, in the mind of Jesus, Peter goes wrong here. 

Growing in Knowledge and Wisdom of God

 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 23, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 22:15, 19–23; Psalm 138:1–3, 6, 8; Romans 11:33–36; Matthew 16:13–20

The Giving of the Keys to Saint Peter by Pietro Perugino

“Know thyself” is a common expression that is often used today and was first inscribed at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, in ancient Delphi, Greece. We can know about ourselves in various ways. When you know yourself, you can achieve many things in the best possible way. Self-ignorance might leave a person in distress or frustration. Knowledge of oneself is a must to win, conquer, or at least navigate tough situations. Jesus knew about himself. However, he wanted to know what others think about him. The liturgical readings on the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time give us a beautiful account of Jesus' popularity among the masses. In other words, the readings invite us to grow in knowledge and wisdom of God in every day of our lives. 

1. The person of Jesus to oneself and others

The Gospel of Matthew 16:13–20 presents a decisive moment in the relationship between Jesus and his disciples. Jesus asks two questions: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” and, more importantly, “But who do you say that I am?” The first question concerns public opinion; the second demands personal faith. Christianity ultimately is not merely about knowing what others say about Jesus. It is about discovering and proclaiming who Jesus is for me.

When God's Face Shines on Us

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 16, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 56:1, 6–7; Psalm 67:2–3, 5, 6, 8; Romans 11:13–15, 29–32; Matthew 15:21–28

Juan de Flandes: Christ and the Canaanite Woman
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/-yUotv31b2o

Persistence and a never-give-up attitude are what keep us going in times of suffering and failure. When things become difficult, our thoughts usually turn to giving up. The situation, circumstances and people around us, instead of encouraging us to hold on to our goal, discourage us and even influence us to give up. Often, people give many reasons why you should not hold on to your convictions. Their passive attitude can influence us greatly. However, if we are firm in our faith, we can overcome difficult situations, including our health issues. A positive mind with perseverance will win ultimately. The liturgical readings on this 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time give us a beautiful experience of how repeated requests do not go unrewarded.

1. A Faith That Refuses to Give Up

The Gospel of Matthew 15:21–28 presents us with a deeply moving encounter between Jesus and a Canaanite woman. At first, the episode appears uncomfortable: Jesus seems silent, distant, and even harsh toward the woman. Yet beneath this difficult conversation lies a profound message about faith, perseverance, humility, inclusion, and the boundless mercy of God. The Canaanite woman comes to Jesus with a desperate plea: “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.”

She is a Gentile, an outsider to the Jewish community, and therefore someone who would normally be considered outside the community. Not ours. Yet she approaches Jesus with extraordinary confidence. Jesus does not immediately respond. The disciples even ask Him to send her away. But she does not leave. She cannot be stopped. She makes her point. Her faith is not dependent on receiving an immediate answer. She believes even when God appears silent.

2. Faith is Tested in Difficult Moments

The woman's faith goes through several tests. First, Jesus is silent. Then the disciples seem to reject her. Finally, Jesus tells her: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Yet she continues. She comes closer and says simply: “Lord, help me.” These three beautiful words are enough to reach God. We do not need elaborate, lengthy prayers. It's enough to say: “Lord, help me.” When we are exhausted, confused, grieving, anxious, or disappointed, we may not know what to say. The prayer of the Canaanite woman can become our own prayer: “Lord, help me.”

The Canaanite woman teaches us: God's silence is not necessarily God's absence. There are moments when we pray, and nothing seems to happen. We ask for healing, guidance, reconciliation, employment, peace in the family, or strength in difficult circumstances—and God seems silent. Sometimes faith means continuing to pray when we do not understand what God is doing.

3. Humility Opens the Door to Grace

Despite Jesus being a bit harsh towards the woman because she is an outsider, the great humility of the woman is inspiring. Her attitude of trust and reverence for Jesus and her inner conviction that the Messiah of the Jews will give something she asks for is worth pondering. The woman does not become angry or walk away; instead responds with  humility: “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” We make judgments about people based on their religion, caste, social status, education, wealth, nationality, background, past mistakes, or social standing.

We often expect too many things from God. We want quick answers, immediate solutions, etc. We demand from God. We don't need big trophies from God. We need only a small portion of God's mercy. Jesus appreciates the great faith in the woman. In fact, the Gospel challenges our tendency to divide people into insiders and outsiders, worthy and unworthy, respectable and unacceptable. God's mercy is bigger than human boundaries.  Our faith becomes stronger when we pray not only for ourselves but for someone we love.

Questions for Self-Reflection

1. How strong is my faith when God seems silent, or my prayers appear unanswered?
2. Do I persevere in prayer, or do I easily become discouraged when I do not get what I ask for?
3. Do I sometimes judge people because of their background, status, religion, or past, instead of seeing their dignity as children of God?
4. What difficult situation in my life is God inviting me to face with greater faith and perseverance?

Concluding Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we come before You with humble and trusting hearts. Give us the faith and perseverance of the Canaanite woman, especially when our prayers seem unanswered and You appear silent. Teach us to place our struggles, our families, and our loved ones into Your merciful hands. Help us to welcome everyone without prejudice and to recognize Your presence in every person. May we never lose hope, but always dare to say, “Lord, help me.” Strengthen our faith and deepen our trust in Your unfailing love. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ

E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net

Blog: Celebrate Faith

Video: YouTube

14 August 2026

God's Help in Times of Trouble

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 09, 2026

Readings: 1 Kings 19:9, 11–13; Psalm 85:9–14; Romans 9:1–5; Matthew 14:22–33

St. Peter is Walking on the Water by Lluis-Borrassa
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/3si1QV1J0GY

Often we think that we are strong. We are not afraid of anyone. We keep going, until at an unexpected moment, a turn takes place. We think that we are failing. We are losing. There is no one to help. In fact, we are sinking. Our life is uncertain. As mortals and sinful persons, we cannot predict our future with certainty. There is nothing that is sure or certain. COVID-19 showed us that none of us are immune from ill health. Illness and death come at an unexpected hour. God can take us from this world at any time. In these fragile circumstances, our life teaches us a lot. We must hang on to someone who is more powerful than us. God, who gave us the possibility of making our life possible on this earth, knows how to strengthen us when we are sinking. The liturgical readings on this 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time invite us to see that God is our strength. We must listen to Him and never doubt His promises. 

1. Storms of life come and go

The Gospel of this Sunday, Matthew 14:22–33, begins immediately after the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves. Jesus sends his disciples ahead by boat while he withdraws to the mountain to pray. The disciples, however, find themselves caught in the middle of a storm. The winds are against them, the waves threaten them, and darkness surrounds them. It is precisely in this moment of fear and helplessness that Jesus comes walking on the water.

Ever Embracing Power of God's Grace

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 02, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 55:1–3; Psalm 145:8–9, 15–18; Romans 8:35, 37–39; Matthew 14:13–21

Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, Giovanni Lanfranco, 1620-1623
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/gyIP5Hrf3qI

One of the beautiful German expressions used in understanding life in context is "Sitz im Leben." Often this expression is used in the study of the Holy Scriptures, when we study the context in which the scriptural passages are written. Today everything must be read and understood through life in context. Even the Gaudium et Spes, the Vatican II document "Joy and Hope," called to read the signs of the times. When we do this, things become clearer. We do not jump into hasty conclusions or carry with us prejudices and stereotypes. Every situation or problem must be looked at from the viewpoint of Sitz im Leben. Often we make blunders because we do not read news in its entirety or its completeness. In this AI world, we are stuck with the plague of conciseness, shortness and summarization. In this context, we have beautiful reading from the Holy Bible on this 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Jesus sees the context in which his countrymen live. He goes an extra mile, making them feel at home with a grand meal in an open-air setting, thus driving away all the fears of people and his own, as he had taken a step back in the wake of the death of his cousin and the prophet John the Baptist.   

1. Cautiousness in the wake of threats

The Gospel of St Matthew 14:13–21 presents to us love in action. Jesus had just learned of the death of John the Baptist. Seeking solitude to grieve, he withdrew to a deserted place. Yet the crowds followed Him. Instead of sending them away, Jesus was moved with compassion. He healed their sickness, listened to their needs, and when evening came, He fed them with five loaves and two fish.

St Ignatius of Loyola - A Saint with a Spirituality of Restlessness

St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)

Every year on the 31st July, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St Ignatius of Loyola. Currently, 13,768 Jesuits are living and working in 105 countries of the world. Even though St Ignatius did not start any women's congregations, many follow the spirituality and charism set by St Ignatius. On this occasion, a few thoughts on this mystic saint!

1. St Ignatius: A man beyond his time

Perhaps one of the most charismatic figures who has contributed immensely to a spirituality of restlessness for God is St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), the founder of the Society of Jesus. The members of this Order are called Jesuits. St Ignatius of Loyola was no monk or a mendicant at all. However, for him the whole world was a monastery. Even though he spent some time at the monastery of Montserrat, Spain, with the Benedictine monks, somehow or the other, he was not attracted towards the monastic life. He saw the world as a spiritual battlefield where he had to be an active pilgrim just like his Master Lord Jesus Christ. We do not find Ignatius a man who would be stuck inside the four walls of the monastery. In fact, it was a novel idea to start an Order (Congregation) completely different from the already existing ones like Benedictines, Carthusians, Dominicans, Franciscans and so forth. The time that he started his new journey of "Salvation of oneself and of others" was during the Reformation period, when the Catholic Church was in shambles with all its ills and fallacies. In this period, Ignatius came up with a novel idea of starting an Order dedicated to the name of "Jesus" and Jesus alone, while Martin Luther, already an Augustinian Catholic monk, had thought otherwise and moved away from the Catholic Church, where he had spent so many years of his monastic life.