Theme: Collective and Personal Responsibility

Ezekiel 18:25-28

This chapter from the book of the prophet Ezekiel is focused on personal responsibility when undertaking and internalising the Covenants established by God - the directives are to worship the one God, and him alone. Along with this foundational reality is the ordering of one’s life in accordance with the law as it relates to one’s neighbour - loving the other, as one loves oneself. I’m writing this reflection in the belief that the early verses from chapter 18 provide a much fuller context for personal and collective responsibility; verses 25-28 flow from the wider context.

While the law and the liturgy applied to the community as a whole, each member of the community, in order to bring about and enhance justice and integrity, needed to be committed by way of accepting personal responsibility for the common good.

Ezekiel considers this responsibility from repeated failings and transgressions being transmitted from father to son on the one hand, and on the other hand the responsibility of ‘cutting off the link’ that perpetuates disreputable behaviour, injustice, and the bondage associated with a sinful disposition. The same message would apply also to a son who would deviate from the path of covenant and law. Both parent and offspring are responsible to the collective of Israel for the well-being and the integrity of covenant and law.

Sin and the loss of perspective demands a conversion experience - a turning from evil ways, and a turning to a reformed fidelity; the emphasis then must be on responsibility to the covenant and law of God - the choice suggests liberation and freedom over the ‘slavery’ to sin.

Philippians 2:2-11

Unity of purpose, love and integrity is the message of this text that informs and directs the Christian community as ‘one body in Christ’ - each person bringing to the table of faith a love that is inspired by the gift of God’s Spirit.

The humanity of Christ offers a way of life that is unselfish, considerate of the other and directed by a faith that evolves and deepens over time.

Matthew 21:28-32

This gospel passage offers us a way of thinking about responsibility, choice and engagement with the word of God and a steadfast responsibility for the enhancement of the kingdom (the vineyard). The two sons are an image of the theme expressed in the first reading - attentiveness on the one hand followed by engagement/action, and on the other hand a dismissive attitude of indifference - where a disordered life is perpetuated.

The tax collectors and the prostitutes respond to signs of hope because of their capacity to let go of what has formerly hindered them in life. They become open and receptive to renewal and experience the offer of conversion.

Those others in the story outlined today in the gospel are rigid, indifferent to the opportunity offered to them and thereby perpetuate their blindness.

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Every time we gather to hear the Word of God and celebrate the Eucharist, we acknowledge our need of God’s mercy through the Penitential Rite. In this rite, the presider invites the whole community to acknowledge their sins to prepare for the celebration of the sacred mysteries and their need for God’s mercy. The Missal calls for a brief pause for silence. This silence is important, as it allows for a moment of recollection, and to bring to God our sins and brokenness. Although we might tend to use the “I confess…” formula, we are encouraged to open up the richness of the whole Missal and use other invocations for the penitential rite which may be found in Appendix VI of the Missal. Such use of these invocations, eight of them to be exact in the appendix, shines different aspects on God’s mercy. After the invocations or the ‘I confess’ the presider prays the absolution – “May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.” Although not the same as sacramental absolution as celebrated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, this absolution invites us to trust in God’s mercy. From time to time, it is also a good idea to make use of the Eucharistic Prayers for Reconciliation, which we have two forms. In such away the mystery of reconciliation is conveyed to the faithful in a special way. None of us are perfect, and we are always in need of God’s mercy and forgiveness. It was Christ’s mission to come to bring forgiveness and thus reconciliation. Reconciliation between humanity and God, and reconciliation between each other. The fruitful celebration of the Mass allows us to live a life of peace and reconciliation. It is our task at hand, to bring this peace and reconciliation in all relationships and situations of life. 

Prayer of the Faithful:

For the Church – 

that she may always welcome sinners into the fold, and open to them the forgiving love which the Lord always shows to those who truly repent.

For those in charge with the care of others – 

that they may look upon those whom they help as their brothers and sisters, as companions for Christ’s kingdom.

For our parish family – 

that we may never become self-righteous and consider ourselves superior to others, but, in humility, acknowledge our brokenness, and in all things, beg the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness.    

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Hymns have been chosen from the Laudate hymnbook:  

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908 Blest are the pure in heart

935 O God of earth and altar

846 Amazing Grace

849 Freely, freely

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