September 28, 2008
Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
You say, “The LORD'S way is not fair!” Hear now, house of
Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but (also) everyone for those of others. Philippians 2:3-4
When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him. Matthew 21:32
Piety
Make known to me your ways, LORD; teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. For you I wait all the long day, because of your goodness, LORD. Remember your compassion and love, O LORD; for they are ages old. Remember no more the sins of my youth; remember me only in light of your love. Psalm 25:4-7
Study
Jesus is not out to test the Pharisees today as much as he is out to teach them and encourage them to change.
Jesus uses the Socratic method to teach them a lesson by bringing out the answers from the students. The lesson here goes beyond making sure our actions are congruent with our words. The lesson is that people change and sometimes, they change for the best. No matter what you are doing now – even if you are abusing the power of your office like the tax collector or abusing the gift of your body like the prostitute – if you change you can get into heaven.
We need to change because there is plenty of work in this vineyard and our hands are needed. Last Sunday, we considered the story of the master who hired servants throughout the day and paid them all the same wage. Today, the Lord is not out at the hiring hall recruiting day laborers. Instead, he is asking his own sons to go out into the vineyard. Neither son is honest with the Father. One says “yes” to get the nagging father off his back but fails to live up to his word. The other gives an honest, “No.” However, the second son changes. He realizes the error of his ways and goes – perhaps begrudgingly – out into the vineyard to work.
The Gospels are filled with two kinds of stories: first are the stories of people who change and second are the stories of people who don’t. Those who change are rewarded and those who do not are not. You can make your own list of each anytime. But today the story is hoping to point out to the Pharisees that they must consider changing. They have had the benefit of John the Baptist. They have the benefit of Jesus himself. At the end of this story, they are frozen in time and we are left to consider if they “got it.” Did these Pharisees understand that Jesus was talking to them? Did they change? Or did they resist?
On the surface, the story today is about obedience and humility. However, the underlying theme is to encourage us to change just like the example in Ezekiel of the person turning away from sin. Up until the very last instant, if we change and turn toward Jesus, we can share in the rewards promised, the mercy, kindness and humility of the Lord. Up until the last instant, Jesus was there to save us. The good thief is our final proof.
Action
Jesus is inviting us into the vineyard to re-order our lives and priorities. Are you ready to accept that invitation? Or are you trying to get out of the work Jesus wants you to do in the vineyard? Are you ready for the conversion (the change) or would you rather not change and just remain in your comfort zone? Jesus is very honest with us. He tells us just what we have to expect. He tells us to pick up our cross and head into the vineyard because there is a lot of work to be done.
Opposing the death penalty. Welcoming the stranger-immigrant. Choosing life at all turns. Practicing faithful citizenship. Expanding affordable housing. Feeding the hungry. Visiting the prisoners. There is a lot of work waiting for your yes.
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