Today we hear that strange Gospel story about the two sons – one who says “Yes” to his father’s request, but then fails to do as he promised; the other who initially says “No,” but then reconsiders and does as his father asked. Our actions are more important than our words. Let us remember that our Lord is one Whose words and actions are always faithful and Who calls us to be like Him.
My friends, today we will hear the Gospel story of the laborers who all get paid the same amount, even though some work all day and some only an hour. Every time we come to Mass, we are living out today's Gospel story. Whether we are saints or sinner, whether we have been Christians all our lives or are new to faith, we all receive the same gift — the gift of the Lord Jesus in Holy Communion
Today’s readings are for those who may have assumed that responding to God’s call would be easy. The prophets, Jesus, the early Christians — none were spared from negative consequences or pain in responding to the call. Is this a warning of what is to come if we follow Christ, or merely a tip-off that commitment always contains the unknown? However we view it, we can take comfort in knowing that we are in very good company. And we know that God is with us.
It’s easy to assume no one in modern society would pass by someone ailing on the side of the road. But we can all recall a time when we witnessed someone pulled off to the side of the freeway … alone. We so often don’t pull over to help. Sometimes, out of a healthy fear of very real and opportunistic evil in the world. Other times, we choose not to put ourselves in danger because it would be inconvenient to do so. Further still, we are all consumed by the amount of time we have in each of our days. The story of the Good Samaritan reminds us to take time to notice, and inconvenience ourselves to stop and sacrifice our precious minutes and resources to love our neighbor the way we’re called to as Christians. God has purposed us to love one another.
Today’s readings are for those who may have assumed that responding to God’s call would be easy. The prophets, Jesus, the early Christians — none were spared from negative consequences or pain in responding to the call. Is this a warning of what is to come if we follow Christ, or merely a tip-off that commitment always contains the unknown? However we view it, we can take comfort in knowing that we are in very good company. And we know that God is with us.
Believing has always carried with it responsibility and for some, authority. Today’s Gospel recounts Jesus bestowing authority upon Peter, and by extension, to the church. This authority is based not on power, but on a powerful relationship to Christ. At its root, this is love, which translates into serving others. All who follow Christ share in the responsibility to love and to serve others. We just do it in different, but equally significant ways.
In today’s readings we will hear about Elijah, who heard God’s voice in a whisper, and about Peter, who could walk on water as long as he remained calm and kept his eyes on Jesus. Let us ask for ears to hear God’s voice and eyes to see the face of Jesus amid the storms of this life.
Throughout history, people have needed new insights, messages and affirmation regarding who God is and the reality of God’s presence in their lives. How do we know who or what we can trust, especially in troubling times? Jesus’ followers grew in their understanding of Who He was — sometimes gradually, sometimes suddenly, as in today’s story of the Transfiguration. We are no different. The important thing is to keep growing in our understanding and our commitment.
Today’s readings give us an opportunity to reflect on what really matters to us in life: what we seek, where we look for it, and whether we will nurture it when it appears. Some of us have clear answers to those questions, and we vigorously pursue what we value. Others are less clear. Regardless of our approach, our search will not be in vain, if we have an open heart.
Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. These poignant words of Jesus challenge us to cast aside our selfish desires in order to care for the presence of Christ in others. As we prepare our hearts to celebrate these sacred mysteries, let us turn to the Lord for mercy and pardon.
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