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THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME As we near the end of the liturgical year, Jesus gives us the parable of the wise and foolish virgins awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom. On the surface, we might ask ourselves why the master didn’t just simply allow the foolish ones into the banquet. However, this parable is not about forgetting to bring extra oil for a lamp, but about how prepared we are for the end of times and how we view the invitation extended to us to be a part of God’s kingdom. When we think of Christ’s second coming, where he will judge the living and the dead, we may think of it as something taking place well into the future. However, it may be best to reflect upon the gospel in terms of our own death which may come when we least expect it. Matthew’s gospel reminds us that admittance to the heavenly banquet is not something we can take for granted. Christ is always prepared to meet us, but we must also prepare ourselves to meet him. St. Benedict encouraged his monks “Remember to keep death daily before your eyes.” Let us take some time to contemplate the temporary nature of our life here on earth, and look for ways to focus on living a life filled with true meaning and purpose in relationship with God. |
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THE SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS In our gospel from Matthew, Jesus sits down with his disciples who have chosen to follow him and teaches them the path to holiness through what we have come to know as the Beatitudes. Like the disciples, Jesus calls each of us to holiness. The Beatitudes provide a set of guidelines to help us become more Christ-like in our attitudes and behaviours. Today’s Solemnity of All Saints is a reminder of our call to holiness. As we reflect on the lives of the Saints, we are encouraged and strengthened by their example to live a life in union with Christ. Following the path to sainthood is different from what our culture deems successful and honourable. Through their example, the saints teach us the value of living a humble daily life through joys and disappointments, trusting in God to shape our lives according to His will. |
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THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME In our Gospel from Matthew this week, Jesus is put to the test, once again. A scholar of the law appointed by the Pharisees asks him, which commandment in the law is the greatest? Jesus responds by summarizing all of God’s teachings into two commandments: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” and “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” While these commandments are simply stated, in practice they can be somewhat challenging. Love of God means that we must make God a priority in our lives, not just a fleeting thought now and then. To do so, we must make an effort to nurture our relationship with him through scripture, the sacraments and prayer. The commandment to love our neighbour goes hand in hand with our Love of God. If we profess a love of God, we cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of those around us. God has created each of us in his image and likeness and he cares about the way we treat one another. Love of God also means helping those who are in need, caring for the sick and the elderly, reconciling with one another and taking the time to listen with an open heart to those who are struggling. |
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TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME In our Gospel reading from Matthew, we find the Pharisees plotting to trick Jesus by asking him if it is lawful to pay taxes to the emperor. The Pharisees were looking to Jesus to tell them that the only law to be followed is God’s law and that there was no need to pay taxes to Caesar. They were fully aware that an answer like this would have landed Jesus in hot water with the civil authorities. However, Jesus knowing what they were up to, calls upon them to produce a coin and then asks whose head is on the coin. They reply that it is Caesar’s head. Then Jesus responds, “Give therefore to Caesar, the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” In doing so Jesus challenges them to take their responsibility to God as seriously as their civil responsibilities. In today’s culture, there is a tendency to believe that what we have earned belongs only to us. Our Gospel reminds us that all that we have comes from God. As such, in order to show our appreciation for all that God has given us, we have a duty to use our gifts, in support of our parishes, our diocese and for the common good of society. |
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TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME In St. Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus addresses the chief priests and elders, once again, through the parable of the royal wedding feast. In this parable Jesus compares the wedding feast to the heavenly banquet. The king represents God who through the prophets and the apostles extended an invitation to the chosen people to come to the heavenly banquet. The king is enraged when those whom he has sent were mistreated and killed. He extends an open invitation to all others. When they arrive, the king notices that one of the guests is not wearing the appropriate attire and he is ejected from the banquet. This gospel offers us an opportunity to reflect on our invitation to share in the heavenly banquet. God has opened the doors of the kingdom to everyone and, through our baptism, we have been clothed in the wedding garment of Christ. It is up to each of us to accept God’s invitation by living our lives in a manner that is worthy of entry into the heavenly banquet of eternal life in the kingdom of God. |