27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME A; VERSION 1
DISOBEDIENCE LEADS TO REJECTION
MT. 21: 33-43
MESSAGE:
How is it possible for people to reject God or turn their backs on Him? It’s understandable when individuals who have never heard of the Gospel and only hold misconceptions about the Christian faith harbor a certain disdain without a valid basis. We can empathize with that. But what about believers in God, those who bask in His goodness and kindness? How do they distance themselves and decline to live under His loving care? Today’s Gospel sheds light on this perplexing phenomenon.
People who know God do not immediately become His adversaries. It typically follows a path of gradual and consistent disobedience. Over time, as they close their hearts to God, they forsake their faith and become estranged from Him. Consider the tenants in the parable; they chose not to honor their commitment to the landowner, continuously disregarding the agreement they had with Him from the outset. They repeatedly demonstrated this hardened stance until it culminated in the tragic act of murdering the landowner’s own son. Their refusal to honor their relationship with God caused their hearts to grow cold, and respect evolved into brazen contempt. Disobedience paved the way for rejection and alienation from God, who generously bestows every good thing upon His people.
In our daily lives, we too can gradually transition from intimacy with God to distance from Him. This transition doesn’t happen abruptly but transpires through small yet recurring acts of disobedience. When we expose ourselves to falsehoods, dishonesty, immodesty, violence, neglect of our religious duties, negative influences, and other detrimental inclinations, we might one day find ourselves drifting away from the wellspring of grace. Not because God abandoned us, but because we have continually disobeyed Him. If you ever sense that God seems distant one day, ask yourself, “Who moved?”
REFLECT:
Is there an activity, practice, or pursuit in your life that clearly conflicts with your faith? Are you attuned to the gentle and quiet prompting of the Holy Spirit, inviting you to take the right steps in following the Lord? Perhaps now is the time to introspect and examine your heart for any hints of disobedience. Acknowledge it and humbly return to God’s loving embrace.
(ourparishpriest 2023)
(A Holy Recommendation:
I recently came across a humble yet wonderful shop on Lazada called “St. Joseph’s Little Shop.” They offer a range of unique and beautiful items related to St. Joseph. If, like me, you’re a devotee of St. Joseph, you’ll find this store to be an excellent source for your devotional items. Moreover, they have a selection of other religious materials beyond those centered on St. Joseph. I highly recommend visiting their site. Please note that this recommendation is voluntary and unpaid.)
