Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 21:33-43)
Jesus directs his words to those in authority, who, like many of their forefathers, do not heed the messengers of God and fail to produce a harvest of good works for God. This parable tells us to listen and to respond to ‘produce the fruit of the kingdom’. The Church of Christ welcomes all those who heed the message, both Jew and Gentile.
Do I endeavour to bear fruit in response to the gospel message?
Do I treasure the traditions of my faith, both its Jewish roots and Christian fulfilment?
We pray for wisdom and humility among the leaders of our faith.
We pray that the mission of the Church may prosper throughout the world.
Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 21:1-14)
The parable we hear today takes up the image of the feast of the kingdom of heaven. The theme of the banquet of life runs through our readings today. The reluctance of so many to come to the wedding speaks of people who are immersed in the things of the world and have no time for the things of God. We need to respond to God’s invitation and make changes in our lives. Why is the man without the wedding garment thrown out? To be carried along with the crowd without understanding where we are going is as bad as refusing the invitation in the first place!
Do I allow my daily preoccupations to take precedence over the search to find God?
Do I take my faith for granted without rally trying to grow in knowledge and love of God?
We thank God for inviting us into communion with him.
We thank God for the sacraments, particularly the Holy Eucharist.
Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 22:15-21)
In this reading there is an atmosphere of foreboding. There are plots against Jesus in order to bring charges against him. As Christians, we cannot cut ourselves off from the affairs of the world, but we should never compromise our beliefs and values. Our decisions and loyalties must be decided by what furthers the ‘common good’.
Do I have the patience to reflet on complex questions so that my actions may be for the good of all?
Am I willing to listen to he teachings of Jesus, especially when my actions are challenged?
We pray that we may always show honesty and truth in our dealings with others.
We pray that our lives will be full of faith, hope, and love.
Fr Adrian Graffy