Gospel for October 1 2023 – Matthew 21: 28-32
Gospel Reflections for October 1 2023
Say yes …when you mean yes!
We like people who keep their promises. If you say you will do something, people of course hope you will follow through. Your life works well to the extent you keep your promises.
In today’s Gospel parable, Jesus includes a twist, as usual in all His parables. Two brothers say one thing and yet do another. Neither matches their words with actions. Neither is authentic!
Keeping your word is so important in your family or at work today. People need to know that your promise to care for the kids, show up for a doctor’s appointment, or follow through with a business client …will actually happen! You also depend on other people keeping their promises too. When words and actions match …you have Integrity which simply means that what you say matches your behavior.
In this volatile political season, we seek candidates who have integrity and keep their promises.
Our Catholic faith expects that each voter will make up their own mind carefully and intelligently about who is worthy of their vote.
What about Church leaders speaking out on political issues? Actually, all Catholics should ALWAYS speak on political issues! Every baptized Catholic is responsible for upholding our moral values in the world, not just Church leaders. Our Catholic faith speaks on every area of human life because every area involves a moral decision. If people are involved in something …so is Our Lord!
However, the Catholic Church never officially endorses or opposes candidates, which has nothing to do with our non-profit tax status. We never endorse candidates simply because …they often change their mind! We ONLY endorse our faith …which never changes.
The only people the Church will ever endorse …are the saints. (However, in order to be declared a saint, you have to be …dead! No chance then to change your mind!)
Like the saints, we will always courageously affirm what our faith says about marriage, abortion, immigration, the economy, and all other moral issues. Like the saints, you must also never let another’s different opinion, or lack of faith, hope, and love, affect your faith, hope, and love. You have those beautiful virtues so nourish them daily.
I am sure you are always glad to be with people whose speech and actions match. Let this Gospel encourage you always to live with that same integrity.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Fascinating Gospel this Sunday . The Son that says He won’t Ends up doing the task while the one saying He will do it doesn’t . This seems unlikely but often is so true. I have two Sons and the issue boils down to what conscience and time to think about decisions will do.
Interesting to observe the contemplation in action.
Vows in Marriage have a similar problem . We truly mean them when we say them but the real work Skill and Prayer helps us Keep them. They are definitely worth keeping.
Yes, I like your comparison with the marriage vows.
Thanks Father Dave. Had Memorial Mass for wife yesrerday and my Faith Friends have helped me Cope with the Loss of My Sweerheart. And Significant other.
May she Rest in Peace.
I’m so sorry, Tom Joyce, that your wife has passed away. There’s no doubt in my mind, based on your own responses to Father Dave and the gospels, that your dearly beloved in in the arms of our loving Savior.
Kathleen
I agree!
Dear Father Dave,
Your reflection is, once again, so significant. Thank you. Loved the saint reference!
God bless!
Kathleen
You are welcome!
Fr Dave,
With all due respect, it seems like the church , or at least our pope & certain German clergy, are changing or at least trying to change long help beliefs of our Holy Church. It is very disturbing & confusing!!
Sad & Dismayed,
Sherrie
I think that the end result of the Synod will be that no doctrine has changed, but that Church leaders will understand they need to teach our faith more accurately.
Dear Sherrie,
I think that you should just let go and learn to trust the process.
Bright Blessings to you!