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Home  / News & Publications /  Michigan Catholic News / 2008 /  God gives us time and opportunity to believe in Him, do His will

by Fr. Richard C. Macey special to The Michigan Catholic
Published September 19, 2008

First Reading: Ezekiel 18:25-28

This passage was probably written from exile in Babylon in the sixth century B.C. God offers life to those who have "turned away from all the sins that he has committed." The prophet describes the rule of individual retribution.

Everyone is held accountable for their actions. But God always leaves open the possibility of repentance. Mankind is assured of God's good will toward mankind. God also upholds justice, since the one who renounces good and does evil will die for his sins.

Ezekiel was a priest (Ezekiel 1:3). His prophecy has references to cult and the worship of God. This passage may be guidance in how to make oneself ready to enter the sacred rites. Bodily and moral purity were essential in making an offering to God.

Second Reading: Philippians 2:1-11 (Short Form - Philippians 2:1-5)

This passage is tied to the previous exhortation to unity among the faithful – unity "in Christ" with one another. Paul begins with five nouns. The first two and last two have very similar meanings in Greek. Thus, the center one, "participation in the Spirit" is framed by the first two, which speak about what one receives (encouragement/consolation … solace/comfort), and the last two, which address ones connection with another (compassion … mercy). This center clause can have a dual meaning. It can also refer to the spiritual fellowship which is shared among the believers, as well as a fellowship which is centered around the Holy Spirit.

The following verses also are encapsulated with the same Greek verb which is translated: "being of the same mind … thinking one thing." This word, which can be translated as "think," is not just an intellectual knowledge. It includes attitude and commitment, as well. Paul was calling the members of the Church at Philippi to be concerned about one another. He connected this concern with the practice of their faith.

The added verses include the Christological hymn. Many scholars consider the hymn to be the most important part of the letter. It may have been an earlier, independent unit, which Paul incorporated into his work. It presents the humility of Christ Jesus. This further emphasizes his own exhortation to the community to be at service to one another. Thus, Paul holds up Christ as the example for others. He is presenting a basic argument for Christian living.

Paul leads into the hymn with the same Greek word as in the previous verses, "think," which is translated "have … the same attitude." Scholars debate the meaning of "in the form of God … the form of a slave." Both phrases use the same word, but they are expressed in different constructions. Paul makes a distinction between them, but there is a dispute as to the significance of that distinction. The Greek word for "form" may also mean "status, condition." Paul may also be playing upon the "vainglory" of the negative characteristics, which he mentioned just before beginning this hymn, and the same root word used to describe Christ who "emptied" Himself.

The "slave" or "servant" image probably comes from the four Servant Songs of Isaiah, especially the fourth one, Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12, even if the Greek word is different. Paul assigns this role of one who suffers for the sake of others to Jesus Christ. The descriptions, "human likeness … human in appearance," also recalls the creation of mankind. The obedience and exaltation of Jesus is contrasted with the pride and fall of the first Man. Jesus was a re-making of humankind, a new model for Christian life. The model reversed the measure of power by earthly standards. Death on the cross was the method of Roman capital punishment which executed the lowest strata of society. Jesus gave that humiliating sign a new meaning.

In a parish where I served as an associate pastor, there was a fire in the church. It caused extensive damage. I interviewed two contractors who were bidding on the work. One came in a suit and carried a briefcase. He was a fully degreed and licensed engineer. He was recommended by the archdiocesan building department. He represented a national firm, and he assured me that they hired only the best workers to complete the job. He looked in the folders he was carrying and gave estimates on the requests I made about construction material. He was very confident that he would be given the contract for the work that had to be done.

The second contractor came dressed in jeans and work boots. He was a local man with his own small construction business. He had calluses on his hands and dirt under his fingernails. He had just come from another job. He jotted down my requests on a piece of paper, and he also gave the cost for materials from memory. As far as I was concerned, there was no comparison. The owner who also worked on the job with the other workmen was my obvious choice. He didn't flaunt higher degrees and huge resources at his disposal. He simply told me how much and how long the job would take. I was not disappointed.

Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32

This story follows the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem amidst the cries of the crowd who greeted Him (Matthew 21:9). This provoked the opposition of the leaders of the people (Matthew 21:15). Jesus tells the Parable of the Two Sons to "the chief priests and elders of the people." He contrasts the actions of tax collectors and prostitutes, who were thought to be outside the Law, with the actions of the leaders of the people. Sinners responded to the call of John the Baptist for conversion. The leaders of the people turned away from the call to conversion. Jesus insists that everyone must "change your minds and believe."

A piece of advice from the last written of the Old Testament books is reflected in this parable. In the Book of Wisdom 11:23 and 12:2, God shows his power and mercy by his patience for the conversion of the sinner. The use of two sons is both for contrasting their behavior and equating their social status. Both were given "the same order" from their father. Both were disobedient. But the disobedience of the son who actually did the will of his father was erased, even though the obedience was delayed. He "changed his mind." Jesus refers to John the Baptist and his call for conversion as the test of obedience.

Although this parable has been used to contrast the Jews and Christians in their response to Jesus, it can also be applied to the members of the Church, too. Baptism begins the journey of conversion. It is ongoing. There is no place for self-righteousness in the community of the faithful. It separates people from one another. Everyone is guilty of some fault. Humility brings people together. All are invited to "change our minds and believe in Him" in the new events which greet us each day.

Fr. Richard C. Macey is pastor of Our Lady of the Woods Parish, Woodhaven.