Homily: Twentieth Wednesday of Ordinary Time

Homily: Twentieth Wednesday of Ordinary Time (2022) Mt. 20:1-16 “Coming in First by Being Last”

The first will be last and the last will be first. In the readings the last two days Jesus ends his instruction with this bit of wisdom. It sounds like this was a favorite expression of Jesus. The saying seems counter intuitive.

Yesterday, Jesus said these words after Peter asks what he and the other Apostles are going to get for following Jesus. In other words, what is the material benefit. Today he utters these words after his parable concerning the workers in the vineyard.

Have we ever been so dedicated to a project at some point in our career that we don’t care what we are going to get paid for doing it. We might have two reasons why we feel this way. Either we see the possibility of learning something new and that fascinates us, or we want to see the project get done because it will improve life for everyone.

If we have enthusiasm for a project, we know that we will sacrifice more to get it done. I have notice how people have two reasons why they work where they do. One reason is that they like their work environment and the other is they are paid well. The first reason seems to carry more weight. Often people will quit a higher paying job if there is little job satisfaction.

Jesus wants enthusiastic followers who will give their all to advance the Kingdom. He is less interested in people who are constantly asking, “What is in it for me?” Once this is the predominant question regarding a mission probably that project will be on its way to failure.

Jesus does offer reassurance. He says when his Kingdom is realized than all the sacrifice will be worth it. The people who have given their all while not counting the cost will be first in the Kingdom. The individuals who are always keeping score will be last. If we have an important purpose in life and we pursue it, we will find ongoing happiness.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Have I ever been so enthusiastic about a project that I did not care what I got paid? What was that project?

2.    Do I volunteer for worthy causes? What holds me back?

 Dear Parishioners,

           At the beginning of September, we will be going back to our winter Mass schedule. This means that on Thursday we will be having a school Mass at 8:30 a.m. most weeks. There will be no 8 a.m. Mass on that day. The rest of our Masses will we remain the same. There will be a 6:30 a.m. Mass on Thursday, so if you do not want to attend the school Mass there is an earlier option. We always have seats available at our weekly School Masses.

          Some weeks the school Mass will shift to another day. These may happen when there is a holy day of obligation for example. Please watch our weekly bulletin if you want to make sure that you will not come at the wrong time.

          The next few years the American Catholic Bishops are emphasizing the Eucharist and its importance. We should always keep in mind that when we say Eucharist this means Mass. The goal of the bishops is to increase Mass attendance.

          May Our Lady intercede and bring peace to our divided World.

          Fr. Mark