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Homily file for October 1, 2023 -- 26th Sunday ● Ezekiel 18:25-28 ● ● Psalm ● Philippians 2:1-11 ● Matthew 21:28-32 ● Title: Coming Home.
[_01__] During my brother's teenage years, when he
was about 15 years old, he decided to run away from home, an act made possible
by his invincible confidence, the poise that some teenagers possess. He had
this confidence.
My parents, OTOH, were composed,
not flustered feeling the phase would not last. They were correct. In about 12 hours,
my brother was back.
The catalyst for this suburban
drama was likely a typical teenage rebellion, perhaps about grades, homework,
or curfew. Regardless of the trigger, his escape was brief. While he was
confident, my parents were equally confident in his return.
[_02__] In the parable, there is also some “coolness”
and confidence. The father, with tranquility, instructs his 2 sons to "go
and work in my vineyard." He doesn't engage in arguments or raise his
voice; he merely issues the directive. This was a talk, not a text.
One son outwardly refused but
had a change of heart, returning home to diligently work. The other son agreed
with an enthusiastic "YES", but reneged on his commitment.
[_03__] Is it challenging to communicate our desires or needs to others in a calm and collected manner? Our lives, be it in the workplace, managing our calendar, or maintaining our home, can be chaotic and overwhelming. Finding the time to be a a “cool” Jedi fighter from the Star Wars universe can seem like an insurmountable task especially when the Stormtroopers are coming at you.
As adults, it can also be a
daunting task to impart responsibilities to our children. They may rebel or
reject our guidance, but it's crucial to persist in our efforts to guide them.
To the young people among us,
whether girls or boys, young women or men, you are well aware that your parents
provide you with of instructions:
- The importance of diligently doing your homework.
- Keeping your room clean and organized.
- Not succumbing to the allure of staying up all night, glued to
your phone.
- Assisting in the kitchen and with household chores.
These instructions are not
intended to stifle your freedom but to enhance it. They empower you to exercise
your free will and develop your inner strength. For instance, if you can learn,
under your parents' guidance, to reduce your reliance on your phone and social
media, you can experience more meaningful connections with your family,
friends, and teachers. Engaging in real-life conversations fosters personal
growth, making you more resilient and spiritually attuned.
[_04__] This extends to your parents' instruction to attend church and Sunday Mass. The requirement to go to Mass is not punishment but a gift—a gift of time spent together, with your loved ones and with God. It's a way to establish and strengthen a connection, to remind you of the love that surrounds you, and to demonstrate that forgiveness is always within reach, even when others may reject you.
Your prayers and needs, as children
attending Mass, are just as significant as those of the adults. This shared
experience deepens the bond within your family and reinforces your sense of
belonging within your faith community.
[_05__] Pope Francis recently celebrated an extraordinary example of love and devotion to God. One of the roles of the Pope is to beatify and canonize individuals who exemplify holiness. For the first time in history, an entire family—a mother, father, and seven children—were beatified together. They are the Ulma family, who lived in Poland during the tumultuous period of World War II.
Poland, during World War II, witnessed a tragic decline in its Jewish population due to the intentional and brutal taking of Jewish lives in the Holocaust (Shoah) by the Nazi regime. Amidst this devastation, stories of resilience and compassion emerged, including that of the Ulma family. Pope John Paul II often spoke of his Jewish friends in Warsaw, underscoring the deep Jewish-Catholic connections that persevered despite the divisive Nazi regime.
The Ulma family's story is a
response to God's call. They did not defy instructions when sent into the
metaphorical vineyard. Instead, they wholeheartedly committed themselves to
sheltering and protecting the persecuted. Their actions speak volumes about the
importance of turning belief into action, emphasizing the essence of genuine
commitment.
The Ulma family, devout
Catholics, boldly stood against the brutal Nazi regime by providing refuge to
Jewish children and adults in their own home.
Their courageous act of
compassion was eventually discovered, leading to their martyrdom. Their love
transcended boundaries, treating their Jewish neighbors not as
"others" but as part of their own family.
[_06__] The Ulma family reminds us, especially on Respect Life Sunday, of the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. The beatification of the unborn child of the Ulma family underscores the inherent value of every life.
While most of us may never encounter the extreme circumstances faced by the Ulma family, we confront choices in our daily lives. Do we prioritize personal comfort and convenience, effectively running away from our responsibilities? Or do we choose compassion and selflessness, coming home to our commitments?
Is my affirmations
of goodness a superficial "YES",? Or do I actively pursue righteousness
through ,my actions? The answers may be uncomfortable, but they matter.
[_07__] Compassion and selflessness are qualities worth celebrating, as Pope Francis did for the Ulma family. Yet, in the real-life complexity, these virtues may not always yield rewards we expect or visualize. On Good Friday, Jesus, in an act of profound compassion, was crucified. At 1st, it is a sad ending, accentuated by the presence of very few disciples, including 1 apostle and Mary, the Mother of God.
Mary's presence, remembered
and honored during the month of October as we reflect on the Rosary, reminds us
that affliction and difficulty can lead us closer to God.
St. Paul, too, teaches us that, in order to comfort others, we must be willing to endure affliction ourselves. His letter to the Philippians underscores the notion that Jesus took the form of a servant, obedient even unto death. If you find yourself caring for a loved one, whether a child, spouse, aging parent, sibling, or friend, you may indeed face moments of affliction. All of us will face such trials. However, it is through these trials that we can grow in sympathy and compassion for others. It is tempting to turn away from God during times of difficulty, but the parable teaches us that it is possible to change our minds, to return to our commitments, and ultimately, to come home. [_END__]
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