Sunday, September 21, 2014

Father Michael's Homily - 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Remember playing golf with friends – walked up to beautiful elevated tee – par 3. One by one each took a shot – on or close to the green. My turn -   slice  -  only it hit tree at perfect angle – bounced off and rolled to about 2 feet away from the cup  -   was it fair?
Many people find Jesus words today troubling. Was it fair -  that those who came last got same pay?   Obviously Jesus wants us to think . . . Some thoughts . . .

1) Used to see workers line up on Yonkers Ave – just hoping for work  -   not lazy  - they want to work   -  They are totally dependent on the one who will hire them   --  our true spiritual condition before God -  in end, we are totally dependent on God –-   why we pray in the Lord’s Prayer – Give us this day our daily bread.

2) If  those who came later were given less than the daily wage, what good would that do them?? --- still could not feed their families -  and in the meantime, those who were hired early no longer had to worry – they could take care of their families.

3) In some ways the action of the owner is very comforting. Like people going on a trip – buy their ticket a year in advance – make all the plans -  others – rush at the very last moment – also will reach the same destination at the same time  Like those hired last: a number of times I have been with someone who converted on their deathbed. -   Thank God -  God’s way are not our ways!!!!

4) Shows the danger of envy   10th Commendment – thou shalt not covet thy neighbors goods. -   Envy – Always comparing -  my piece of cake is not as big as yours – iphone, house, car, salary. Envy is a Sadness at the sight of another’s goods and the desire to acquire them for oneself - called a Capital Sin beause it can lead to other sins:      to resentment, becoming angry, bitter.

Suggestion - To learn “Discipline of Gratitude”   instead of focusing on what I do not have – remember what I do have
Hurricane Sandy -   35 trees down, electric out, cable out but, I am alive, my family is OK   real basics
But also to realize – my very life is a gift!!!

So - What is the Reward for the faithful worker who works all day.

A missionary was returning to the US after 40 years service in Africa – ocean liner docked in NYC. As he got off, noticed a huge crowd gathered to welcome home former president Teddy Roosevelt from a safari. He became angry – Lord, I have come back home after all these years and service to the church, and there is no one to welcome me home.     Heard a small voice – You are Not Home Yet!