Scripture for Mass
Ezekiel 18:25-28
Psalm: 25(24): 4-5b. 6-7. 8-9. Response: 6a
Philippians: 2:1-11
Matthew 21:28-32
Some people who are recovering from an addiction are shocked to discover that family members and friends, rather than encouraging and supporting them, try to push them back into the gutter. Some who have come out of prison and are striving to reform their lives often complain about similar negativity. And yet, those same family members and friends claim that they have earnestly longed for the ex-prisoner or the former addict to turn over a new page.
The ‘great public sinners’ during Jesus’ time seem to have experienced similar difficulties. While the religious leaders claimed to want their conversion, when they did change their lifestyle in response to the message of John the Baptist and of Jesus, rather than rejoicing, they became resentful.
Why such resentment then and now? Perhaps, it is that when someone around us makes a significant change in their life, it requires that we make a corresponding major change in our life. And here’s the crux: while we may deeply wish that someone makes a radical change in their life, we want to remain the same! Moreover, seeing others who had been helpless gradually take charge of their lives means we can no longer feel self-righteous and smug when we compare ourselves to them – and so, rather than recognising and accepting our own insecurity and insincerity, we become resentful towards them.
However, if we were to examine our own heart and honesty accept what we find there, then we would discover the truth about our own humanity and that of every person: all of us are sinners in need of God’s mercy, and all of us are weak and in need of the support of others always and everywhere.
Gracious God, help us to realize that we are traveling companions to one another on the road of life and that you guide and accompany us always.
Do not let allow us to become separated from you or from one another on this pilgrim journey.
Save us from indulging in the temptation to disparage those who walk more slowly or to envy those whose who walk more quickly than us.
Grant us understanding and compassion for those who fall along the way.
And when we ourselves fall, grant us an openness to accept your mercy and forgiveness as well as the concern and kindness of others.
We ask this through Jesus the Good Samaritan.
Amen
Fr. Tim Mulroy
