Longer audio version:
Kenosis instead of crankiness (26 Sunday Ordinary Time)
During the pandemic we have all experienced losses. In the second reading today from Phil 2, Paul teaches his audience how to live in peace when things are taken away from them. By following Jesus' example of kenosis (= self-emptying) and accepting losses for the good of others we can ensure our loses do not wound us and lead to crankiness.
That's not fair! (25th Sunday of Ordinary Time)
The parable of the vineyard owner and the workers that Jesus tells in the Gospel today (Matthew 20:1-16) is unsettling because it seems so unfair. Like all parables, this one is supposed to provoke and unsettle us so that we can see some deeper spiritual truths. The parable teaches us that God's grace is something we could never earn, it's pure gift. It also shows us that in God's eyes we all have the same dignity since God is equally generous with us. Finally, the Gospel challenges us to be generous like God, especially with those we don't believe deserve our generosity.
THE wedding reading
Paul's hymn to love (1 Cor 13), which we hear in the first reading a Mass today, is by far the most popular reading for weddings. For good reason! This beautiful reading is a challenge for all of us. It teaches us that love is above all a verb - an action - and encourages us to become more like God who is love (1 Jn 4:8).
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