CHANGING LIKE CHRIST

TWENTY SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, CYCLE A

Ez.18:25-28; Ps.25:4-5.6-7.8-9; Phil.2:1-11; Mt.21: 28-32

Change is the only constant in this world says the philosopher Heraclitus. Physically, we become very conscious if we gain even just a pound in our weight. Emotionally, our feelings take control of our lives. When we are very happy, then all will be well. But when sadness marks the beginning of our day, then the rest of it will surely be dull and dry. Spiritually, sometimes we act like angels yet sometimes we are even worse than the devil. Change is the only constant in this world. There is no turning back. We have to move forward!

This is also the theme in our readings today. In our first reading, the prophet Ezekiel mentions the change of the virtuous and the wicked. “When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die. But if he turns from the wickedness he has committed, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life.” In our Gospel today, Jesus tells us of the story of the two sons: the first who said “no” to his father’s request but later on changed his mind and the second who said “yes” but did not go to work on the vineyard. We see here two movements from the best to the worst and from the worst to the best. How about you? The choice is yours!

However, the apostle Paul in our second reading today reminds us of the greatest and most important change that took place in human history. “Though he was in the form of God, Jesus did not deem equality with God. Rather, he emptied himself and took the form of a slave, coming in human likeness, he humbled himself becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.” Paul tells us about the movement from God to man, from greatness to vulnerability, from power to humility. Jesus, who is God, out of his obedience to the Father, became one like us except sin.

This self-emptying of Jesus is the greatest and most important change in the history of salvation because it gives us the reason to hope! We can still change not just for the better but even for the best.  

And we only need two things for this change to happen in our lives. First, our genuine desire to be transformed. We have to will it if we want to change for the better! And such choice also means that we have set aside other possible choices in life. If one chooses to be more serious in his study, then it also means that he is no longer choosing other possibilities like frequent night outings or entering into special relationships.

Second, the grace of God in our lives. Our human frailness hinders us from persevering in our path towards transformation. Along the way, challenges and temptations increase as we become more serious with our decision. Thus, we have to allow God to intervene in our lives. His grace must penetrate into our hearts and minds so that we can truly reach our goal.

However, the final question is, “What should move us to change for the better?” Our responsorial psalm gives us the answer – the mercies of the Lord! We have to remember the “mercies of the Lord” in our lives. These are the moments when we are about to fall and fail yet the Lord saved us! These are the moments when we are at the brink of surrender but the Lord came to the rescue! When we remember these moments in life then these should be enough to move us to transformation, to a life closer with Him.

The first son probably remembered the goodness of his father to him and so he changed his decision while the second one simply forgot.

A husband and his wife who were both thieves became happy when they learned that they will soon have a son. They wished that their child will become the “prince of thieves” when he grows up. Immediately after giving birth, they were sad. The hands of their son were closed. Out of desperation, they asked the doctor to do everything so that his hands will open. He cannot steal with closed hands! After many attempts, the doctor finally decided to pour hot water on them. Finally, they were opened. Lo and behold, the baby was already holding the two gold rings of the doctor who assisted his mother during the delivery!

Well, the baby was probably destined to become a “prince of thieves.” However, Christian life is not like that! It always gives us second chances! Jesus Christ always wants us to renew our relationship with him every time we fall. Our challenge therefore is to choose Christ, to ask for God’s grace, and to remember the mercies of the Lord in our lives now and forever. Amen!