XXVI Sunday : Eze 18:25-28; Phil 2:1-11; Mt 21:28-32

XXVI Sunday : Eze 18:25-28; Phil 2:1-11; Mt 21:28-32

Introduction:  Today’s Scripture passages warn us that it is our final decision for or against God, that is, our choosing to obey Him gracefully by doing His will or our choosing to go against His will, which will decide our eternal reward or eternal punishment. As free beings, it is we who choose our eternal destiny.

Exegesis: A man who has two sons tells both to go out to work in the vineyard. The first son says he won’t go, but later regrets it and works.  The second son says he will go but does not. In each case it is the final decision that is more important. Jesus teaches through this short parable that repentant tax-collectors and prostitutes, represented by the first son who initially refused to go, will make their way into the kingdom of God before the chief priests and the elders, represented by the second son in the parable. Because of their pride and their refusal to obey God's call to repentance, the Scribes and the Pharisees will exclude themselves, while the tax-collectors and sinners, whom they despised, will repent of their sins and will be accepted into God's Kingdom.

Anecdote: An associate pastor, new to the parish, saw the need to start a Bible study group where people could learn to read the word of God and deepen their faith. After service one morning, he presented the idea to the people and received a unanimous and enthusiastic feedback. "It is a wonderful idea," they all said. Then the young associate pastor went and told the pastor that the people were happy with the idea of starting a Bible class. The older and more experienced pastor told the associate to rephrase the question and consult the people again. The following day the young priest asked the same congregation, "Who would like to sign up for the Bible study group? Only four hands went up. Then it dawned on the young man that saying yes to an idea is one thing and doing what is required is another.

There are those of us who have the fine words: who come to church every Sunday and say to God "Amen! We believe." We wear badges and medals as ways of professing our faith. But sometimes when it comes to concrete action in support of what we know to be the will of God, we are found wanting. If we carry on like this, then we should heed the warning that those other folks are going into the kingdom of God ahead of us.

Joke: A non-Catholic preacher recently quit the ministry after more than 20 years of faithful, dedicated service and became a funeral director. When asked why he changed vocations, he said: "I spent 10 years trying to straighten out John and he’s still an alcoholic. Then I spent three and one-half years trying to straighten out Harold and Susan’s marriage problems and they ended up getting a divorce. Later I tried for two years to help Bob kick his drug habit and he is still an addict. Now, at the funeral home, when I straighten them out, they stay straight! Perfect obedience!"

Ideal sons and daughters are those who say yes to their parents and then go on to do what is commanded. This is what we should aim to be -- men and women who profess our faith in word and deed - knowing that "Not all those who say to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21).

Practical Applications: (1) Do God’s will every day:  Each one of us is responsible to God for every one of his or her actions, and the just God will punish or reward each individual according to his or her actions.  Since we are not sure about the moment of our death, our only guarantee of dying in God's friendship is to live in that friendship always, saying “Yes,” to God in our deeds or choosing God or doing God’s will.

2) We are never late for repentance, conversion and renewal of life:   If we have been disobedient to God in our past life, we need to knock at the door of God’s mercy. We have to remember that God can do for us what He, in his mercy, did for the repentant tax-collectors and harlots in the parable. Hence, every night we need to repent of our sins and ask God’s pardon. If we are in serious sins we have to get reconciled with God by receiving the sacrament of reconciliation.  Let us remember that it is never too late for us to turn back to God. 

Introduction: Twenty Sixth Sunday in OT

Message:  Jesus was obedient to the Father, even to death on a cross.  We need never fear if we turn away from the path of virtue for the Lord is ever ready to forgive us, if we but repent.  Remember, the Lord’s compassion and kindness are from of old.

Saints and Events in this Week:  29 – Twenty Ninth – Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael; Archangels; 30 – Thirtieth – Tuesday – Saint Jerome, priest, doctor of the Church; October First – Wednesday – Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, Virgin, doctor of the Church; 2 – Second – Thursday – The Holy Guardian Angels; 4 – Fourth – Saturday – Saint Francis of Assisi, religious.