Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Twenty Fifth Sunday of the Year, A – September 24, 2017

Readings: Isaiah 55:6-9; Responsorial Psalm Ps 145:2-3.8-9.17-18(R.8a); Phil 1:20c-24.27a & Gospel Matthew 20:1-16.

Theme: Fixing Our Gaze on the Ultimate Reward

Introduction

Friends in Christ, our liturgy this Sunday challenges us to fix out gaze on the ultimate prize and not get distracted by how long we have toiled in the Lord’s vineyard. In his characteristic manner, Jesus challenges the status quo. He goes against normal conventions by giving those who got into his harvest first the same reward as those who came late. Before we delve into the dynamics of these Sacred Texts, we shall take a bird’s view analysis of the scriptural as well as contemporary applications of the readings.      

Scriptural Application of the Gospel

The gospel reading (Matthew 20:1-16) presents us with three categories of people. For the sake of convenience, we shall categorize them as: Those who came in the morning (those who came early); those who appeared in the afternoon (those who came at noon) and those who got there in the evening (those who arrived late). We shall reflect on what each group represents:

a). Those who came in the morning: Those who came in the morning are the early arrivals. In generally, this refers to the Jews. In particular, Jesus was referring to the Pharisees who had all the privileges of knowing about God and attaining salvation but they kept deceiving themselves and hating the fact that Jesus was offering a chance for tax collectors and sinners to be saved (Mark 2:13-17).

b). Those who appeared in the afternoon: Next is those who arrived at noon. This is represented by the gentiles who were shown mercy by the Lord to the dismay of the Pharisees, Sadducees and Scribes. Jesus gave the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) to prove this point. His praise of the Canaanite woman’s faith is also indicative of the point at issue. Repeatedly he would tell the crowd that he was sent to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.

c). Those who got there in the evening: The late comers are the prostitutes, tax collectors and sinners who got the red carpet treatment much like the legitimate heirs of the kingdom. In this category of those who arrived late are, Zacchaeus tax collector, the thief on the cross, Mary Magdalene the prostitute who was exorcised of seven demons and Saint Paul who terribly persecuted the Church.

Contemporary Application of the Gospel

Since we have gone back into biblical times to attempt a categorization of the audiences Jesus directed his teaching at, we shall now situate it around contemporary happenings:

a). Morning-Christians: In our time, those who came in the morning are represented by morning-Christians namely, those who were born and baptized into the Church. The privilege of born Catholic, presented in the Church, baptized, catechized and given the sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Confirmation should ordinarily make these Christians more Catholic than anyone else – unfortunately, some end up leaving the church; others are nominal-Christians. There are some that even antagonize the church. Their only affiliation to the Church is their baptism card or the faith of their parents. Conversely, those who are in good standing often expect more favours from God or attention by the Church – Today Jesus says, the matter is beyond these.

b). Afternoon-Christians: Afternoon-Christians are those who appeared in the afternoon. These are Christians who came into the Catholic Church through marriage or conversion. From experience, they often outrun morning-Christians in matters of faith and morals. In fact, they are often more generous to the Church that those who were raised Catholics. Will they get the same reward as those who were born and bred in the Church? Jesus says, yes!

c). Evening-Christians: Those I regard as evening-Christians are those who got into the harvest at the twilight of their lives – most times, these are persons who ask for the priest while on their death beds. Since God does not refuse good gifts to his children, the baptism or last sacrament they receive assures them of eternal salvation - at least that is what our faith tells us.

Our readings charge us to fix our gaze on the ultimate reward which is eternal life.  Whether you got into the harvest in the morning, afternoon or evening, our liturgy insists that God’s gifts are for everyone – He can decide to be generous who whoever he wants. Is it not surprising that we will receive the same reward with the pope, our cardinals, bishops, priests and consecrated men and women? This reveals the magnanimous and awesome nature of our God who does whatsoever he wills.

Isaiah in the first reading (Isaiah 55:6-9) reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways; and his methods are not our methods. Imagine that three of you are selling your cars to the same person and they are of different worth – after agreeing on different prizes, the buyer decides to surprise all of you by paying everyone the same thing based on the prize of the most expensive car. You can be sure that the man with the cheapest car would be the happiest - but not the man who had the most expensive car. Based on our human standards, this is an act of injustice but the truth is - the man paid everyone what was agreed.

Homiletic Quotes to Remember

ü  Jesus went against normal conventions by giving those who went his harvest first the same reward as those who came late.

ü   The early arrivals refer to the Jews in general and the Pharisees in particular who had all the privileges but turned their backs on God.

ü  Those who arrived at noon are the gentiles who were shown mercy by the Lord to the dismay of the Pharisees, Sadducees and Scribes.

ü  The late comers are the prostitutes, tax collectors and sinners who got the red carpet treatment much like the legitimate heirs of the kingdom.

ü  Morning-Christians are those who were born and baptized into the Church.

ü  Afternoon-Christians are who came into the Catholic Church through marriage or conversion.

ü  Evening-Christians are those who got to the harvest at the twilight of their lives through baptism or anointing of the sick on their death beds.

Conclusion

Bringing home the point, we must realize that those who came late were not lazy – they arrived late because no one hired them. Besides, you would realize that the harvest is large and everyone worked hard. This implies that the Lord’s vineyard is very vast – with many grasses. From the Israelites to the Gentiles and the 12 apostles to us, Jesus keeps recruiting people into his harvest. As such, no one should worry about a bigger wage. Whether we got into the harvest in the morning, noon or evening, may the Holy Spirit help us to fix our gaze on the ultimate reward without begrudging others who found themselves in the caravan rather late. May God help us - Amen.