26th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME A
GOD FAVORS CHANGE
MT 21: 28-32
MESSAGE
The readings today reinforce the truth that the Lord our God places a high premium on conversion. What pleases the Lord is a stony heart that softens rather than a heart that has gone stiff. What moves the Lord is a steely will that bends rather than a stubborn one that resists change. God approves of a discordant note that slowly conforms rather than a harmonious song that is out of season.
Isn’t this a really good news for us? The Lord Jesus exposes to us his heart, the heart of his Father, who supports every decision to change for the better. The older son may have been hard-headed at first but realizes his mistake and decides to obey his father. Tax collectors and sinners may have been initially mired in sinful lives but abandon everything to follow the Word that gives true life and pure joy.
The first reading reminds us that God thinks differently than us; we often favor those who appear good and despise or judge those who appear bad. The Gospel does not say that our God loves sinners more than the just; or that heaven is more accessible to lawbreakers than those who keep every precept of the commandments. Rather, God loves, accepts, invites, and welcomes all, as long as they come to him with an open heart, a heart transformed by the very love of God.
REFLECT
Do I believe myself to be perfect? Do I see myself full of defects and weaknesses? The same invitation is offered to us by Jesus: Come with a desire to change, a desire for newness, a desire for another chance.
*Salamat sa Diocese of Malolos Liturgical Commission sa pagmumungkahing basahin ang aking serye ng mga aklat na “Isang Sulyap sa mga Banal…” sa pasimula ng Banal na Misa sa kanilang diyosesis kung may kapistahan o pag-alala sa mga santo; maaaring out of print na ang mga libro subalit ang nilalaman nito ay narito din sa website na ito. God bless you po!
