Homilies

26th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: THE FATHER'S WILL: CHANGING OUR MIND AND HEART FOR HIM

“Which of the two did his father's will?" This was the question Jesus posed to the chief priests and the elders of the people after he told the story of the father who had two sons. After ordering both of them to go out to work in the vineyard, the first said ‘I will not’ but later changed his mind and went. The second said his yes but later did not go. Thus, unanimously their answer to the question was the first son.

Most often, in following the Father’s will, there is a need for a change of mind and heart. This is also translated as turning away from the old sinful self to a life of conversion and renewal. The first reading from the prophet Ezekiel illustrates this best to us, “But if he turns from the wickedness he has committed, he does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life; since he has turned away from all the sins that he has committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.”

What do we need in order to do the Father’s will in our lives? We take the ‘tips’ given to us by St. Paul in the second reading, in his letter to the Philippians.

First, he speaks of having solace in Christ by completing the “joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing.” Through these important reminders, a follower of Christ strengthens his or her resolve to follow the will of the Father in his or her life. The saints are very famous for their unceasing life of prayer. Prayer gives a person a head start in the quest of oneness with God. Being aware of the presence of God in the midst of everything is another good help to embrace a mind and heart that is constantly attuned to God.

Second, Paul encourages the Philippians to be humble, and the same message goes to each one of us. “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others.” Humility is the virtue that makes a person aware of the will of God in his or her life. In contrast, a person who is so proud will find it hard to listen and discern the will of God. This individual will be so much full of his very self and the concerns that can be only for his benefit, and therefore, leaving almost no concern for others. The message of humility is like a constant bell that calls our attention. It is a virtue that is becoming rarely seen these days.

Thirdly, Paul continued by saying, “Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus... he emptied himself... he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Paul once again highlighted humility, but this time he added self-emptying and obedience. These virtues go together. One can never be humble if there is no capacity for self-emptying and obedience. God rewarded Jesus for his humility, self-emptying and obedience. This is also the fate that awaits each one of us in our aim to truly follow the will of God.

Dear friends, as Christians, it is our constant goal to be as blameless as possible before the eyes of God. Living a life of holiness has never been easy. There is the daily hustle and bustle of challenges that can veer us away from the path of holiness. Also, there are moments that we find ourselves truly confident of where we are in our standing before God and others, only to realize that we have been lost. The words of scripture holds true for us, have a change of mind (and heart) and follow God’s will.

Allow me to share a ‘good boy gone bad’ story. This boy has been the blue chip basketball player in his team. During important plays in the ball game, he would be the usual person to take the ball to the basket. Everyone has trust and confidence in him. One day, this boy sold his game to game fixers so the other team can win. He thought he got the better part of the deal. But this corrupted his game, even his person. Coming to his senses he realized that what he had done was extremely wrong, he admitted his fault, asked for apology and mended his ways.

We have a very compassionate God. The psalmist sings that He who is so much powerful is also so much merciful. He is good and upright. He shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice and shows them his way. This is God and it is his will that will make a difference in our lives. In the end, if again Jesus will ask, which of them did the Father’s will? It is our hope that we could be part of the number who did it truly. Amen.

« Back to Homilies Index