Our Ministries
25 Sep

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

No to Yes: A Profound Change

Turning away from sin and turning towards God—that is metanoia, a change of mind and heart. That kind of change comes from experiences of insight, new awareness of the plight of others, and the example of struggle and sacrifice of persons for the sake of others. We often describe ourselves as changed after a retreat, a serious illness or disaster that we call life-changing, after six months of COVID-19 seclusion, and/or after some sort of “awakening.”

Metanoia requires that we are malleable, capable of learning and being coached, able to take instructions, and willing to be humble. “I once was blind, but now I see.” It is important to give voice to the change we experience.

What would it look like in my life for me to follow Paul’s instruction to the Philippians not to look out for my own interests, but to look out for the interests of others? Who is doing this now where we live? Do we know people who are marching for racial justice? Who are putting their lives at risk in health care or education? Who are trying to change the climate crisis? Who are advocating for higher wages and good jobs for persons displaced by COVID-19? Who care about the well-being of the police as well as the policed?

Climate change, violence, poverty, prejudice: these are not your fault or mine. At the same time, we share a mutual ownership of these conditions. What opportunities we have to look out for more than my own interests, to the interests of others! How do we contribute to them by our words, choices, silences? We can no longer say that it isn’t my problem, it doesn’t touch me and therefore I don’t have to do anything except guard and protect my own corner of the world, my own family, myself.

“Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.” Will you say “yes” and never show up? Or will you say “no” and then change your mind and go? What vineyards is God calling you to work in? How can you be more responsive to God’s call? What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of you?

The elections are a vineyard in need of workers. Pope Francis and our bishops, as well as our local Church leaders ask us to vote with an informed conscience. Each of us is responsible for personally studying the issues—all of them—and making choices for the common good, the needs of others, not just our own. Our study of the issues should include multiple sources—Jesus and the Scriptures, the social teaching of the Church which documents our responsibility for each other—for all human beings, the research, and studies of reputable organizations who work for the common good.  Good conversations open dialogue with persons who think differently than we do can also offer clarification that informs our consciences.

With prayer, study, and reflection, all of us can become workers in the vineyard who produce good fruit. We can become more than persons who say good things, but don’t act and aren’t accountable to anyone. We can become persons who act on our commitments, whose words we can count on.

For this, let us all work and pray!

Welcome to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church