XXVII Sunday : Is 5: 1-7; Phil 4: 6-9; Mt 21:33-43

XXVII  Sunday  : Is 5: 1-7; Phil 4: 6-9; Mt 21:33-43

The American Catholic bishops initiated Respect Life Sunday in 1972, the year before the Supreme Court legalized abortion in the United States. Since that time, Catholics across the country observe the month of October with devotions and pro-life activities in order to advance the culture of life. This October, our efforts have more significance than ever. Never have we seen such abusive criticism directed toward those who believe that life begins at conception and ends at natural death.

“I came so that all might have life and have it to the full.” Indeed, Christianity has always been a defender of life. Right from the start, Christians rejected the practice of infanticide that was common among the pagans, who abandoned unwanted babies to die from exposure to the elements. Equally, care for the sick and elderly have always been a hallmark of authentic Christian communities.

Today, these values are once again counter-cultural. Our society devalues motherhood, and often portrays “unwanted” children and the infirm elderly as a burden to society and interference to the personal fulfillment of those who are healthy and independent. For a variety of reasons, tremendous pressure can be put on mothers to procure an abortion. Increasingly, there is a drive to allow the elderly to seek physician-assisted suicide, either as a means to avoid suffering or to ease the financial burden on the family or the state health system. In short, the quality of life is given more value than life itself. We must remember that, while quality of life is important, it is not an absolute value. At times we need to sacrifice something of our own quality of life to help those in needs, especially mothers in distress, unwanted children born and not yet born, and the elderly who need care. 

Sometimes, of course, life takes a turn, and things can go wrong. It is important that we show understanding and compassionate to those who have made bad decisions about their own lives or the lives of their children or relatives. They can find themselves in complex situations due to emotional, physical, and economic situations, where doing the right thing is neither easy nor immediately clear. God’s mercy is always open to us in the sacrament of Reconciliation, and the love of the Christian community should surround everyone, especially the most vulnerable and wounded.

Like the vineyard in the readings today, our lives, our bodies, and our world are on loan from God, and He expects us to use them respectfully and responsibly. At the moment of conception, something happens that is beyond mere biological processes. Every human soul is created directly by God, and that bestows great dignity on every person, body and soul, from conception until death. Intentionally violating the integrity of any human life is a grave offense against God and humanity. 

Joke:  A lady answered the door to find a man standing there.  He had a sad expression on his face.  “I’m sorry to disturb you” he said, “I’m collecting money for an unfortunate family in the neighborhood.  The husband is out of work, the kids are hungry, and their utilities will soon be cut off.  Worse yet, they’re going to be kicked out of their apartment if they don’t pay the rent by this afternoon.” “I’ll be happy to help,” said the woman.  Then she asked, “But who are you?”  He replied, “I’m the landlord!”

Practical: Our primary responsibility is for our own lives and those of our immediate family. However, to the degree that we can influence others, we are also responsible for what goes on in our community and in our society. If we want God to bless our families and our country, we cannot stand idly by while violations of human life and dignity become enshrined in our country’s laws and customs. It is the personal responsibility of each and every one of us to pray, and to exercise our rights and duties as citizens to prevent and to end the culture of death

Introduction : XXVII Sunday in OT

Message: The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.  At vintage time the master will return to receive the harvest.  May we bear fruit in plenty, and be pleasing in his sight by living lives that are marked by love and respect.

Saints and Events in this Week:  6- Sixth – Monday – Saint Bruno, priest; Blessed Marie Rose Durocher, virgin; 7 – Tuesday – Our Lady of the Rosary; 9 – Ninth – Thursday – Saint Denis, Bishop, martyr, and his companions, martyrs; Saint John Leonardi, priest;