Have In You The Same Attitude That Is Also In Christ Jesus

10-01-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Manasseh Iorchir, VC

The Readings last weekend demonstrated how “God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways” with the parable of the vineyard owner who paid a flat wage to all his workers despite hiring them at different times. This must have raised in our minds a question about the “fairness” of God who rewards equally all who respond to His invitation to labor in His vineyard. The Readings of this weekend’s liturgy are intended to facilitate further reflection upon the “justice” of God.

In their attempt to comprehend the mystery that God is, the people of Israel posited that one’s faith in life was already determined by the righteousness, or lack of it, by one’s parents. It was the conclusion of the leading theologians of that time that the exile and other prevailing political, economic and military setbacks were a direct consequence of the wickedness of their ancestors. They even developed a proverb to defend their claim: “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are on edge” ( Ezekiel 18:2). In addition to this, the people did not think that God would be just to punish a righteous man who abandons righteousness and falls into sin while forgiving and granting salvation to the sinner who repents at the eve of His life. These doctrines negated Ezekiel’s doctrine of personal responsibility, that each individual receives the punishment or reward for his own actions. God is fair, He holds everyone accountable for their own actions and does not punish anyone for the sins of their parents. Furthermore, God punishes the righteous who turn to evil and grants salvation to the wicked who repent of their sins. The oracle of Ezekiel proclaimed this weekend exhorts us to cease blaming others, especially our parents and relatives, for our problems and misfortunes. Sometimes taking responsibility and holding ourselves accountable is the surest way to recovery and repentance.

Jesus brought this message home to His Jewish audience through the parable in the Gospel passage this weekend. In the parable, a father requested his two sons to work in his vineyard. The first one declined, but later went after giving it a good thought. The second son responded with great enthusiasm but did not go. Jesus asked the Jewish authorities “Who, between the two sons, did his father’s will?” and they responded by saying, “the fi rst.” The Divine Redeemer then proceeded to explain the parable to them. Tax collectors, prostitutes and all other “public sinners” who hear God’s Word and respond to it with repentance will be saved and thus escape damnation. While the Pharisees, Priests and other religious authorities who commit to righteousness but did not match their word with action by accepting Jesus, the fullest revelation of the Father’s will, will receive rejection. It is important to note that the “tax collectors and prostitutes” Jesus speaks of are really those who repented of their wrong doing and embraced righteousness, and the Pharisees represent anyone brought up in virtue and committed to the faith who fail to make their faith experience consistent. Every human person stands in need of positive renewal every time.

May we not be Pharisees who are comfortable with our pseudo-religiosity. May we always be penitents who, having heard the Word of God, become increasingly uncomfortable with sin and strive towards personal repentance and renewal.

Please be kind and may God bless you.

Fr. Manasseh