Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk
Twenty Sixth Sunday of the Year, A – October 1, 2023
Readings: Ezekiel 18: 25-28; Responsorial Psalm Ps 24:4-9; Phil 2:1-11 & Gospel Matthew 21:28-32
Theme: Faith in Action
Sunday Synopsis
In the first reading, the Prophet Ezekiel invites us to be consistent in righteousness. In the second reading, St. Paul counsels that we should be kind and tender-hearted by emulating Jesus’ humility. In the gospel, Jesus gave the parable of the two sons who were told to go and work for their father. The first said no and later went but the second agreed but never went. This implies that we must walk the talk by putting faith into action not amusing ourselves with mere lip service.
Introduction
Beloved in Christ, our liturgy invites us to reflect on the theme “Faith in Action.” This theme is predicated on the fact that faith is beyond lip service. Our readings point to ending well not merely beginning well. The message of Prophet Ezekiel and St. Paul in the second reading amplify Jesus’ message in the gospel – both texts challenge us to walk the talk.
Background and Summary of the Readings
In the first reading, (Ezekiel 18: 25-28) the words of the Lord came to the Prophet Ezekiel that if the upright person renounces integrity to commit sin, he or she would die because of their evil. However, if that person renounces his or her evil ways to become law abiding and honest, they will live.
The second reading (Phil 2:1-11) encourages the faithful to embrace love, tenderness and sympathy towards a common purpose. Therein St. Paul warns against competition and deceit while urging us to consider the other person first. He surmised by inviting all to embrace the humility of Christ who stripped himself of divine glory and took the form of a slave, being born in the likeness of men but God highly exalted him and gave him a name which is beyond all names, to the glory of God the father.
In the gospel (Matt. 21:28-32), Jesus narrates the parable of the two sons of a father who sent them to work in his vineyard. The first said no and later went but the second agreed but never went. By telling this story, Jesus wanted the Chief priests and elders of the people to know that “the first shall be the last and the last, first.” In their self-concerted hearts, the felt they were the Lord’s chosen and so, did not need any effort to make heaven.
Pastoral Lessons
1. Renounce Your Evil Ways: The first reading invites us to renounce our evil ways by embracing God’s laws and being honest so as to live here well, and enjoy in the next.
2. Stick to Righteousness: Since the first reading insists that if the upright person renounces integrity to commit sin he or she would die, we are challenged to maintain our lane on the express of holiness.
3. Be Kind and Tender-hearted: In the second reading, St. Paul warns against competition and deceit while encouraging Christians to embrace love, tenderness and sympathy towards a common purpose as doing so pleases the Lord.
4. Aim to Finish Well: By telling the story of the two sons, Jesus wants to tell us point blank that what matters is not who starts first but who finishes well – therefore, aim to finish well.
5. Don’t Prevent others from the Kingdom: We are warned not to behave like the Chief priests and elders of the people who would not enter the kingdom but blocked everyone else from entering.
Summary Lines
1. In the first reading, the words of the Lord came to the Prophet Ezekiel that if the sinner renounces his or her evil ways to becomes law abiding and honest, that person would live.
2. The second reading encourages the faithful to embrace love, tenderness and sympathy towards a common purpose.
3. Therein St. Paul warns against competition and deceit while urging us to consider the other person first.
4. In the gospel, Jesus narrates the parable of the two sons of a father who sent them to work in his vineyard.
5. Jesus wanted the Chief priests and elders of the people to know that “the first shall be the last and the last, first.”
Conclusion
At a time that talk appears cheap, we are urged to allow our faith to move beyond emotional outbursts which receive the word with excitement, but it soon dies because it has no depth. We are also encouraged to beg the Holy Spirit to animate our souls in a way that we would have a reasoned faith which cannot be tossed about by the vicissitudes of life. Just as St. Augustine stresses that pride changes angels into devils while humility changes devils into angels, we are encouraged to embrace the humility of Christ who was God but brought himself low and is now being worshipped, adored and glorified. May the word of God resonate with the meditations of our hearts so that our yes would always be yes. Amen. Have a fabulous week.
