Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today we explore the parable of the vineyard and the workers. How could this work, that everyone who goes into the vineyard gets the same wage? Where is the justice in that? Jesus knew how to reach the hearts of his listeners. This does not mean that Jesus would treat His own workers badly. The wage we receive for our time in the vineyard is of the highest value. We receive God’s gift of everlasting life.
Brothers and Sisters, we are challenged by the vineyard owner’s question, “Why do you stand idle?” Why do we not move forward in order to receive God’s graces and blessings? David Goggins is a great example of a self-improvement speaker. He came from hard beginnings to become a highly decorated soldier and ultra-marathon runner. In his writings and speeches, he tells people to challenge themselves to improve constantly and to never stop growing. Most people, he concludes, do not reach even half of their full potential. I believe this to be true in the spiritual life. How could one not see the inertia and indifference in the Church today?
Polls of Catholics in the American Church show that the vast majority do not know or do not believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Christians in most denominations do not attend Church regularly. This is a sad story for Christianity today. This is the time to remember who we meet in the Eucharist and who we owe our lives to. This is the time for renewal. The Eucharistic Revival has begun in dioceses in our country. This is the time to seek the Lord while He may be found. This is the time to proclaim the Gospel in our lives.
Challenge: Throughout the week I will be offering humble prompts to guide meditation of the Eucharist and its place in our lives. For today, take the time to renew your own faith. The Eucharist is the center of the Church, the heartbeat of our life of faith. Without it, there is no pulse. Take the time to renew your faith and what you believe in the Eucharist. Take this mystery to prayer if you find it hard to grasp. You will find God is always ready to give an answer if you ask in faith. Amen.
Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections