“Remember your mercies, O Lord”
Psalm 25
Readings
Book of the Prophet Ezekiel 18:25-28
Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians 2:1-11
Gospel According to Matthew 21:28-32
Reflection
by Sister Jane Hibbard, SNJM
The first reading from Ezekiel has a line that caught my attention: “The Lord’s way is not fair!”
Does that resonate with these days of COVID-19 and the awful forest fires of the past weeks? We need to keep turning toward the Lord as we endure the hardship and find ways to be content, peaceful and cheerful as we hold fast to our God, and continue to love one another. We are called to be aware of all those who have lost everything and need our help.
The Responsorial Psalm is all about the EXTRAVAGANT MERCY of our God. “Remember your compassion, O Lord, and your love.” We are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and have that same extravagant mercy toward all.
And the Gospel bears out that extravagant mercy… ”Amen I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you.” Do we truly know this Jesus and the forgiving Father, who does not judge by the same standards we have for ourselves and others?
May these readings bring you to a new sense of MERCY for yourself and all those with whom you come in contact.
From the Rule of St. Benedict
"It is love that impels them to pursue everlasting life; therefore, they are eager to take the narrow road of which the Lord says: 'Narrow is the road that leads to life.' ” (Matt. 7:14) Chapter 5:10-11
Gospel Acclamation
“My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord.
I know them, and they follow me.”
John 10:27
Thank you, Sister Jane. I often wonder, as do many during these trying times, about why God is allowing Co-Vid and the wildfires and the racial unrest, etc. It's like everything is raining down upon our heads, all at once, in one huge conflagration. But to wonder why God is allowing it is so far beyond my ability to comprehend I take refuge in trusting in His Will instead. And not in my need to understand. He knows what He is doing, and why.
We want answers. That's normal as human beings. But this is all so much bigger than us and we'll never understand the whole picture while we're alive. The passion of Christ comes to mind here. …