Caught Between the Two: Life with Christ and Life without Christ

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 24, 2023

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

   To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/L8Fn5aLWxeE

Our life is full of dilemmas. Often we are caught between two divergent views or opinions, circumstances or events. It becomes difficult to decide what is the best option before us. Choosing becomes extremely difficult. We feel we are left in the middle of the river. Making proper decisions for the present and future becomes a headache. Loneliness sets in and we look for some comfort or angels of good time to come and advise us and help us to get out of this mess. In this context, we have beautiful liturgical readings including Psalm 145 on this 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, which extols us that "the Lord is near to all who call upon him." The God who created us knows best how to lead us in such moments, giving us wisdom and knowledge to walk in the path of righteousness and peace.

1. Self-righteousness vs generosity

The Gospel reading from Matthew 20:1–16 is a parable that speaks to the profound nature of God's grace and the kingdom of heaven. Jesus gives this intriguingly fascinating story of a landowner who hires laborers to work in his vineyard at different times throughout the day. When it comes time to pay the workers, he gives each of them the same wage, regardless of how long they worked. This attitude of the landowner not only perplexes the workers but also they to begin to grumble and criticize him for his self-righteous way of acting. 

It is very obvious from the parable the generosity of the landowner. The landowner in this parable represents God, and his actions reflect the boundless generosity of God's grace. God's grace is not dependent on our merit or the length of our service. Instead, it is freely given to all who accept it, regardless of their past or their deeds. This gives us a lesson that salvation is a gift that cannot be earned but is given to all who come to God with a repentant heart.

2. God's thinking is different from us

There is a tendency within us to think that God acts according to our thoughts and ideas. Unfortunately, that is not so. God is beyond our thinking and purview. He is absolute and incomprehensible. The laborers who worked longer hours felt that they deserved more compensation than those who worked for a shorter period. In fact, if those latecomers didn't join them then they would not have had this problem. This attitude reflects the human tendency that is to compare ourselves to others and measure our worth based on external factors. Justice in the eyes of God, may not be according to human thinking. The logic of God is different from ours. 

God knows what is merit and fair. God does not apply human standards of measurement and valuation. Comparing our spiritual journey with others is a futile exercise. God gives what is necessary according to his need and ability. Therefore our focus should be what we are supposed to do.  It teaches us to avoid the trap of comparing our spiritual journey or blessings to others and instead, our focus should be on our relationship with God. That's why before the fairness of God we must embrace attitudes of humility and simplicity. God's grace is not something we can demand or earn; it is a gift bestowed upon us out of God's love and mercy. Finally, we are all recipients of His grace.

3. Meaning of being attached and detached from Christ

Often we have to walk on a tightrope. St Paul writing to the Philippian community gives a testimony of what it means to depart from Jesus and embrace Jesus. Life without Christ has no meaning to him. He is caught between the two: To be with Christ and be away from Christ. However, the choice is ours.  Therefore, he calls to make every effort to be attached to Christ. Because there is life in Christ. A person in Christ will enjoy the fullness of life. Nevertheless, we are invited to embrace the reversal of human expectations. Often our pulls are very worldly. Just like the parable in the Gospel, it challenges conventional human wisdom. It reminds us that God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). We must be open to God's surprising and counterintuitive work in our lives.

God has a desire for us that we truly become his sons and daughters. It means we become completely part of His life. God's inclusive love extends to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. It encourages us to share this message of inclusion and grace with others, welcoming them into the kingdom of heaven. In other words, the Word of God challenges us to view God's grace with awe and gratitude, recognizing that it is a gift freely given to all who turn to Him in faith. 

Questions for self-reflection:

1. How does the parable of the laborers in Matthew 20 challenge your understanding of grace and humility?
2. Are there areas in your life where you find yourself constantly comparing your blessings, achievements, or spiritual growth to others? How can you shift your focus from comparisons to contentment and gratitude for God's grace?
3. Reflect on areas in your life where you might be clinging to human expectations or conventional wisdom rather than aligning with God's ways. How can you open yourself to God's surprising and counterintuitive work?

Prayer based on Psalm 145:  

Gracious and Merciful God,

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude and praise. We stand in awe of Your boundless greatness, O Lord, for Your love knows no end. Your compassion and mercy, reach out to all. In this world filled with uncertainties and challenges, we find our refuge and strength in You. Help us to align our lives with Your righteousness, seeking to follow Your path of love and kindness.

Lord, we acknowledge our dependence on You and our need for Your guidance and protection. As we seek You, Hear our prayers, O God, and draw near to us as we lift our voices to You. We praise You for Your unchanging character, Your everlasting love, and Your boundless mercy. May our lives be a reflection of Your greatness, righteousness, and kindness. In moments of joy and sorrow, in times of doubt and uncertainty, we trust in Your unfailing presence. We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

September 22, 2023