September 2011

Welcome to today’s celebration of the Holy Mass on the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Why are we gathered here today?

It is because we are spiritually hungry for the Word of God; because we are spiritually hungry for Jesus’ Body and Blood in Holy Communion and His Teaching.

My Dear brothers and sisters

During today’s First Reading from the Book of Ezekiel, we learned that those who turn away from their wickedness by doing what is right, they will be saved. At the same time, those who were previously saved and who have turned away from their righteousness to commit sins, they will die for it. This is a very powerful message.

During today’s Second Reading, we heard that when we are of one mind, having the same love as Christ, there is encouragement in Christ. We find consolation during our tribulations. We share in the Spirit. We have compassion and sympathy for others. Our joy is complete in Christ.

During today’s reading from the Gospel of Matthew, we heard Jesus tell the story of the man who had two sons. The father asked one of his sons to go and work in the vineyard. His son said that he would not go but he changed his mind and he went. The second son said that he would go but he did not go. This holy reading from the Scriptures echoes the first reading. Some turn away from their righteousness to do evil while some turn from their evil ways to do righteousness.

The son who promised to go and work in the vineyard, but he did not go, he broke his promise. He was no different then God’s chosen people of the Old Testament who broke the Old Covenant. He was no different then the people within the Church today who break the new Covenant of God by turnings away from His righteous ways. He was no different then many Christians today who calling themselves Christian, but they have no relationship with God at all.

Jesus asked, “Which of the two did the will of his father?” Naturally, we all know that it is the one who obeyed. My friends we have to be men and women whose word is a good as a contract. Always we have to be righteous people, better Christians and put lot of effort to learn about the Will of God and His true Church. We have to literally take the Word of God.

My brothers and sisters, this week, let us take the time to reflect on all what has been mentioned. Let us ask ourselves, “Am I in complete obedience to the Will of God?”

In the parable of the laborers for the vineyard and also in the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus wants to stress the great Divine Mercy, so that we can take it as the model for our generosity and mercy.

My Dear brothers and sisters,

It is so easy to receive gifts, money, different things, and indeed we receive so much daily, in fact we have been receiving daily all of our life. But when it comes time to give, everyone becomes mean and possessive, and then generosity is given with restraint. This is not what Jesus teaches. He teaches all of us by His actions. He is the Giver of all gifts.

Jesus is teaching in the Gospel “give and you shall be given, be merciful and mercy will be shown to you;” so whatever you do for the least of my brothers will receive a reward. I assure you, you will always be rewarded for your generosity.

Whatever work we do in Jesus` kingdom will be repaid according to His mercy. Jesus forgave the thief on the cross who accepted Him as His savior and who asked Jesus to remember him when Jesus entered his kingdom. He received the great gift that virtuous men seek so eagerly and at such a cost with a simple act of faith and humility.

My friends, we should rejoice and be glad because of Jesus’ great mercy. He died on the cross to forgive everyone who comes to him with sincerity, asking pardon for their sins and with a desire to amend their lives. Jesus does not discriminate sinners. He died for them. He is the savior of the world. His job is to forgive and to save. He wants everyone to benefit from his mercy. He wants every one to be saved.

My Dear brothers and sisters the only condition for our salvation is humble repentance. Jesus is willing to save even those to whom the world condemns. He is the God of the outcast, the rejected, the poor, and the sinful who are desperately in need of conversion. For this reason Jesus calls everyone to be generous as He is generous, to help others as he helps everyone.

We have to share with others as much as we can, we have to pray for others especially people in need, our friends and enemies and for sinners who live far away from God and his commandments. We have to be good without measure, when we have to do something for someone remember that we are doing it for Jesus. When we see someone in need do not hesitate to help. Now we know that whatever we do for others, we are doing it for Jesus. We have to remember Jesus teaching: “love one another as I have loved you.”