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"Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime." – Martin Luther King Jr.

At this special time of year, we have books to inspire and delight you. Accompany your little ones 'On the Road to Emmaus' or through 'Via Lucis: The Way of the Light'. Or perhaps, reflect with Fr Michael on the Gospel resurrection narratives in 'Alive'.

Challenged to both LOVE and SERVE the Lord

Challenged to both LOVE and SERVE the Lord

Posted: Wed, 23 Sep 2020 17:07

Challenged to both LOVE and SERVE the Lord

A reflection on the Gospel for 26th Sunday of the year, by Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB. (Image: Parable of the Two Sons by Bernadette Lopez, via Qumran2.net)

Our Gospel today has Jesus telling the story of the two sons; while Luke shares the amazing story of unconditional love in the beautiful and enduring tale of the Prodigal, Matthew tells the tale of the the Father asking his sons for help in the vineyard-always a symbol for the reign of God. Simply put, it is a story that many parents can identify with in trying to get the children to help around the house: the parable of the two sons is about a father who tells his first son to go work in the vineyard. The son says he does not want to, but he winds up working on it anyway. When the father tells his second son to go work on the vineyard, he tells him he will work on it. The second son later chooses not to work on the vineyard.

The old saying tells us that the road to hell is paved with good intentions!' The second son certainly shows that tendency: he publicly proclaims that he will help out, only to probably find a better, and easier, option. Not only do we know such people in our families, we see them in our parishes too. I know that, as a minister of the Word and Service, I have not lived up to the standard the Gospel challenges us with. Jesus is critical of those 'sons' and 'daughters' who proclaim support but who are severely lacking when it is needed. As a Church we need to not only proclaim a Gospel of compassion but we need to show it. We can hide behind dogma, catechism and 'wise teaching,' but if we do not show that basic commandment of Jesus we are severely lacking. Thus we are called to love God, love our neighbour and never forget to care for ourselves: self-care is not selfish but essential for the well being of ALL In the community of faith. Many of us have been deeply hurt or broken by the words or actions of others—when that hurt comes from people who proclaim that they are people of faith, somehow that sense of 'brokenness' can be even more severe and hurtful. Yet, in that brokenness, God calls to healing and a share in the outpouring of God's unconditional love. We can become those 'wounded healers' that the first son in the parable represents. We are always given another chance and can work together, bringing our experiences of joy and hurt, to BUILD up God's reign.

In the first son we see an honesty that is refreshing; his 'NO' to the request of his father, shows us exactly where he stands. He does not lie and ends up helping in the end, unlike his brother who creates a false image of himself as someone who helps, but in the end he is only letting his father down, which is exactly what God tells us not to do.

Matthew places the parable in the context of a conversation that Jesus is having with the Chief Priests and the Pharisees. These are the very ones that need to follow the proclamation of God and LIVE it in their own lives. Notice how Jesus identifies with the tax collectors and prostitutes-the ones so far away from the elite of Jewish society. Yet it was these who listened to the reconciliation message of John the Baptist; these were the ones who walked the walk with Jesus.

The challenge of the Gospel today is are you happy proclaiming the glory of God in your Church attendance and singing your praise or are you prepared to put that attendance into action. At the very end of our Eucharist today, the deacon (or celebrant) will utter those most challenging of commands, "Go in peace to LOVE and SERVE the Lord!" Are you prepared to accept the challenge, bringing with you your brokenness and strength?

Tags: Gospel, Homepage, Prayer, Salesian Spirituality, Salesians of Don Bosco