27th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 08, 2023
Readings: Isaiah 5:1–7; Psalm 80:9, 12–16, 19–20; Philippians 4:6–9; Matthew 21:33–43
1. Prayer and petition, thanksgiving and requests
The discourse of Prophet Isaiah and the parable of Jesus are of different nature. So let's begin the reflections from St Paul's letter to the Philippians 4:6–9. This letter is widely known "letter of joy" of St. Paul. There is so much hope, faith, love, joy, and confidence permeated throughout the letter. In the midst of life's chaos and uncertainty, the words of St. Paul offer profound spiritual guidance. These verses invite us to cultivate a mindset rooted in faith, gratitude, and the pursuit of peace. St. Paul writes so beautifully: "Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6–7).
In a world filled with worries and anxieties, these verses remind us of the transformative power of prayer. Instead of succumbing to anxiety, we are called to bring our concerns to God, trusting that He hears our petitions. As St. Paul writes elsewhere, every prayer must begin with thanksgiving. Such a format of prayer not only acknowledges God's sovereignty but also shifts our focus from fear to gratitude. God who is the bestower of peace grants us a peace that surpasses human understanding. It does not mean the absence of trials but rather the presence of divine assurance amidst them.
2. Noble, right, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy
St Paul writes further: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things" (Philippians 4:8). The mind is a battleground of thoughts and emotions. Paul instructs us to fill our minds with what is noble, right, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. This guidance encourages us to be discerning about what we allow into our consciousness. By dwelling on positive and virtuous thoughts, we create fertile ground for spiritual growth. In a world filled with negativity and distractions, this practice becomes an anchor for our souls, reminding us to seek the divine beauty and goodness that surround us.
The Christian journey is not just about hearing and believing but also about living out our faith. The Apostle Paul encourages us to translate our faith into action. When we follow the example of those who walk in the ways of Christ, we invite the God of peace to walk with us. This transformative presence of God brings not only inner peace but also peace in our interactions with others and in the world at large. In fact, the words of St. Paul serve as a spiritual roadmap for navigating life's challenges. He calls us to to replace anxiety with prayer, negative thoughts with positive ones, and mere belief with active practice. In doing so, we open ourselves to the profound peace that comes from a deep relationship with God.
3. Stewards of the first order
In Matthew 21:33–43, Jesus shares the Parable of the Vineyard, where he calls us to be stewards of God's gifts. Just as the landowner expected the tenants to care for the vineyard, God expects us to steward His creation responsibly. This challenges us to how well we tend to the resources, relationships, and opportunities God has given us. In the parable we see the servants sent to collect the fruit represent the prophets and messengers God has sent throughout history. Their mistreatment and rejection reflect humanity's tendency to disregard God's guidance. How do we respond to God's messengers today? Are we ready to support those who work for inclusivity, justice, reconciliation, peace, and harmony?
For a Christian, Jesus is a model. We must consider the centrality of Jesus in our lives. Is He the cornerstone of our faith and actions, or have we rejected Him in favor of other priorities? Just as Jesus becomes a steward by becoming obedient to the Father, we too are called to be the ambassadors of his stewardship. There will be always fruits for our works as he gives abundant life in God. May these readings of today from the Bible inspire us to live our lives with unwavering faith, gratitude, and a pursuit of God's peace that transcends all understanding and become stewards of His creation.
Prayer based on Psalm 80:
Heavenly Father, we come before you, our Shepherd, the One who tends to us with love and care. You have brought us out of darkness and into your light. Yet, there are times when we, your vineyard, become overgrown with thorns and tangled with weeds. We acknowledge our need for your intervention. Break down the walls of our pride and self-sufficiency, for we long to return to your loving care. Remove the burdens that weigh us down, the troubles that have beset us, and the sins that have separated us from your presence.
With humble hearts, we cry out for your mercy and grace, as we know that only in your presence can we find true restoration and revival. Water us with your living Word, nourish us with your Spirit, and prune away the branches that do not bear fruit. May our lives once again display your glory and beauty. In the name, of Jesus, our Lord, we pray. Amen.
- Olvin Veigas, SJ
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