25th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Readings: Isaiah 55:6–9; Psalm 145:2–3, 8–9, 17–18; Philippians 1:20–24, 27; Matthew 20:1–16
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| Photo by the author |
The scriptural readings for this Sunday invite us to look at God with fresh eyes. Undoubtedly, the readings are challenging. They encourage us to put ourselves in the shoes of God. In other words, the readings urge us to think differently than what we usually do, so that, we may submit ourselves totally to the call of God. Thus, we might be able to transcend the human boundaries which often derail us to come closer to God and encounter Him in Word and deed.
Wanting to do more for Christ
Let's begin with St Paul's letter to the Philippians where he speaks about life and death, spirit and flesh, joy and happiness. St Paul writes this beautiful epistle which is called "Paul's joy letter" from a prison in Rome. Naturally, the topic seems to be very dear to the Apostle of the Gentiles that is "life in Christ". In a life dedicated totally to serving Christ, Paul had faced everything from good to worst. The burning flame to serve Christ our Lord does not diminish even a minute of life. His words are astounding, "I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body" (Phil 1: 23-24). Paul still wants to strengthen his people in faith, wants to get back to the Philippians. He feels that there is still more he can do for his dear people of Philippi, a Macedonian city. For Paul, being alive in physical body is very important in preaching the Good News of our Lord. The Apostle does not feel that he is old, imprisoned, chastised, and without hope. However, he trusted Christ to work it out for his deliverance. There is an incredible, inextinguishable hope in him that he would be back to his dear people. The close affinity that he has does not allow him to say goodbye to his people in spite of being certain that his death is imminent and which is going to be bloody in Rome.
Clarity on the purpose of living
Paul is a symbol of hope for all the missionaries and who face hurdles in life even to the point where they cannot be with their dear one's. When you do God's work let even the worst may arrive, you are certain that God is with you in the form of hope and love. To those who don't believe in God, life on earth is all there is and so it is natural for them to strive for this world's values - money, popularity, power, pleasure and prestige. However, for Paul to live is, to live for Christ, to strive for eternal values. In other words, for Paul, the whole purpose of life is to proclaim Christ boldly and to become more like him. Paul had a purpose for living when he served the Philippians and others. We also need a purpose for living that goes beyond providing for our own physical needs. What is your purpose of living?
A call to submit ourselves to God
It's astonishingly difficult to understand God with our human framework of mind. Prophet Isaiah is telling us to "call upon the Lord while he is near" (Is 55:6, Ps 145: 18). God is always near to us but often we find He is far away. God does not loose track of us instead we loose track of Him. Moreover, God does not move away from us, but we often move afar from Him or erect a barrier between ourselves and Him. Prophet is admonishing us not to be drifted away from God because once that happens it would be difficult to come back to Him. In our life this is what repeatedly happens. Very often, we loose sight of God and then we say God has abandoned us, forsaken us. We question ourselves “why am I suffering so much when others have it easier”? Where is our God in this tragedy, in this sickness, in this terrible medical report, in this merciless job loss, in this death of our loved one, in this unending pandemic? Our list goes on. But we can trust in his beautiful yet bold words of the Prophet: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord" (Is 55:8). God is there for us but let's not forget to call him and keep in touch with him daily and regularly. Should we not then put these words of the Psalmist into our mind and in our heart? "The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made" (Psalm 145: 9). We should rejoice that God has compassion on all whom He has created. This should console us, too, especially if we have loved ones who remain far from the Lord.
No one is excluded from God's generousity
God's justice is different. His generosity is immense. God's mercy is surmountable. The parable of the workers paid equally of Jesus clearly demonstrates that anyone who responds to God's call are equal in every way (Matt 20:1-16). Jesus clarifies the membership rules of the kingdom of heaven is open to all and entrance is by God's grace alone. Everyone is included in God's justice even those late comers, those who did not belong to the originally called, or those who are possessed a heritage or favoured position. A critical message of this parable is that we are all equal recipients of God's gifts. If God gives grace to others or relief from pain and challenge, it is kindness to them, and no injustice to us at all. We cannot simply reduce this parable of the landowner's generousity to reward but about salvation. We should be kind to those who turn to God in the last moments of life. It is God who justifies and not we. Each one of us is profoundly, perfectly, loved by God, and variously gifted by God. The variety of the gifts is not a measure of the love we receive, but indicative of the diverse parts we are to play in the building up of God’s kingdom. Do you question or resent God's gracious acceptance of the despised, the outcast, and the sinners who have turned to him for forgiveness? Are you ever jealous of what God has given to another person? Instead, focus on God's gracious benefits to you and be thankful for what you have. In God's thinking there is no littleness instead total overwhelming graciousness, goodness and generousity. It's only we who show our littleness in our thinking by our stubbornness and hardheadedness leading us to despair. God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness are God's to give away as He sees fit. Let's allow God to work in us.
- Olvin Veigas, SJ
19 September 2020
11 comments:
Wise article of lot many Spark of breakthrough ideas! It's the best gift to those who seek grow higher spiritually. Good reflections. Thankyou Father.
Very well explained. Often we feel God isn't hearing our prayers. But we forget His small mercies and blessings in our day to day lives. You've rightly pointed out that
if God gives grace to others or relief from pain and challenge, it is kindness to them, and no injustice to us at all. Many however don't quite agree, especially in the current situation. One person asked me "what's the fiddler on the roof doing?"
Well explained interpretation of the day's reading. Very deep and inspiring content. Creates interest to read and reflect again and again.
👌👌👌👌👌👌👍👍👍👍👍
When I was reading your reflections, I thought of a story which I read long ago of a child who cries over a toy that was broken and trying to repair by himself. He didn't give it to his father who knows how to repair. I find myself like that child sometimes. I hold on to the problems and cry over it without giving it to my heavenly Father for whom it is possible to solve.
But as you said God has compassion on all whom he has created. It gives me consolation and hope that our God is merciful, compassionate and generous. May He make me like Him to serve His people which is the purpose of my life.
Dear Fr.Olvin,
Your writings are inspiring , reflecting on these words made me closer to God . Thank you fr, I really appreciate your selection of pictures according to the theme. It's a great work. Picture itself is a point for me to mediate. Continue to inspire us with your wisdom and insight.
The reflection was very good for the community prayer... We used it for community building. Thank you
Dear Olvin,
I'm blessed with the wisdom of this article that has got the values of real pearls; I mean every word has got Divine intervention that attracts the heart, mind and soul of every reader. I thank God for using you as his powerful instrument to bring this good news of the salvation for many. Very inspiring message to be read and cherished. As a token of appreciation and gratitude to God and to you,I shall share this thoughts with as many people as possible. Let me remain here with your words of wisdom.
This reflections refreshed my mind and
inspired my spirit. It's helps me explore the answers to the questions of how,why, when, what... that are posed in my mind from time unknown. Nice article!
My reflection on "God's Abounding Compassion"
1. If understand God's Abounding Compassion - it includes His love, forgiveness and generosity - as described in the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
2. The best thing to an individual to understand qualities of a Compassionate God, is to look back on one's life.
(If I audit my life , as on today (Sept.23), there is nothing significant to enumerate. Similarly, if I think of tomorrow, there is nothing hopeful to anticipate.)
But, if I look back on my 71+ years of my life , there are volumes to be written and all that has taken place is because of a Compassionate God, my heavenly father. I have received unaccountable, unmerited blessings, every day of my past years. There is nothing that merited my efforts or sinful ways , but everything has been out of Divine providence of a Compassionate Father.
This article is full of God's down to earth compassion and love. And cautions us to live a life of holiness that our lives are uncertain and short. Olvin, thanks for being kind and generous to others and creating opportunities to grow up to the heaven.
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