Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 01 October 2023 Mass Reading Reflection for 01 October 2023
Gospel: Matthew 21: 28-32
The first son in the story gave an unpleasant reply to his father. But his conscience pricked him eventually. Although the reply was instant, the words of his father simmered in his mind longer. We can assume that he recollected the past well. The love of his father reflected through affectionate hugs, merciful forgiveness, sleepless nights, watchful eyes, and unconditional support flashed through his mind in a short while. He loved himself, but the love for his father was more. It changed his mind. The end was well.
With the second son, the initial reply was pleasing. But it ended sour. It is not enough to be fine by word. He didn’t bother to accomplish the pleasing promise he made. Probably he had his own plans. His ambitions won over his initial enthusiasm to serve his father. He loved his father, but he loved himself more. The end was a disaster.
What we heard today is a trinitarian parable. It is the Heavenly Father who is ordering us to accomplish specific tasks. We need to have the fire, that is the Holy Spirit to enkindle and energize us to fulfill it. The Holy Spirit enables us to fight well, make sacrifices, and make the right decisions to achieve our goals. The Holy Spirit enables us to transcend human limits. The Holy Spirit engulfs us when the Word of God simmers within us.
The parable says, “But afterward he changed his mind and went.” The Word of God has the power to change. The word of God has the power to transform us. Never underestimate the power of the Word of God. It was the Word of God who created everything in the beginning.
Do you avail yourself of the power of the Word of God?
Open the Bible, and read it page after page, so that the Word of God influences you, and transforms you. The Word of God enkindles the fire that is the Holy Spirit. Don’t forget the promise, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,” (Jn 14:16) Jesus was referring to the Holy Spirit.
Jesus goes on to tell us, “Without Me, you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). The second son in the parable started the day with a good note, responding positively to his father. But he failed to fulfill his promise. Possibly he postponed his plan for a while and then immersed himself in some less important things. He was so preoccupied, that there was no room for the Word of God to influence; there was no chance given to the Holy Spirit to enkindle.
It is time to rewind our lives. Do you live up to the commandments of the Heavenly Father?
If you have made a positive commitment, live up to it; live up to it with the continuous help of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. Having an hour with the Word of God daily ensures the help of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. Reading the Bible daily, reflecting on it for a while, and praying over it are essential to be a true Christian.
If you have been insensitive to the commandments of God, it is time to change. Open the Word of God, the Bible, read it, reflect on it, and let the Holy Spirit help you reset yourself.
Irrespective of our past, let us try to be true Christians; Christians by deeds.
Amen.
