Cycle A 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is. 55:6-9; Phil. 1:20-24, 27; Mt. 20:1-16

Dear brothers and sisters,

Today’s readings speak of the righteousness and mercy of God. We are reminded that we must seek righteousness in order to receive the mercy of God. During the First Reading from the Book of Isaiah we heard of the Divine calling. Let the wicked forsake their way. Let the unrighteous forsake their thoughts. Return to the Lord! Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near. [Is. 55:6]

In today’s Gospel Jesus paints a vivid picture of the kingdom of heaven, using the story of a landowner who went out to hire laborers for his vineyard. This parable is a powerful reminder of God's boundless mercy and the importance of cultivating a generous heart. The thoughts of God are not the thoughts of man. The ways of God are not the ways of man. As the heavens are higher than the earth, the ways of God are higher than the ways of man and the thoughts of God are higher than the thoughts of man.

Cycle A 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Sir. 27:30-28:7; Rom. 14:7-9; Mt. 18:21-35

Dear  brothers and Sisters

Today we  are taught about the greatness of forgiveness. In Matthew 18:21-35, Peter asks Jesus a question that has likely crossed all our minds at some point: "How often should I forgive someone who sins against me?" 

To understand the depth of Jesus' teaching, let's first look to the Old Testament. In the book of Genesis, we encounter the story of Joseph, who forgave his brothers after they had sold him into slavery out of jealousy. Despite their betrayal and cruelty, Joseph forgave them when he had the power to seek revenge. He said to them in Genesis 50:20, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Joseph's forgiveness is a profound example of letting go of resentment and trusting in God's greater plan.

Cycle A 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Ezek. 33:7-9; Rom. 13:8-10; Mt. 18:15-20

Today's Gospel passage from Matthew reminds us of the importance of reconciliation and the power of community in our lives as followers of Christ. It's a passage that speaks of how we should handle conflicts within our faith community, and it offers us a roadmap for healing and restoration.

The power of reconciliation is not only felt here on earth but also recognized in heaven. Jesus tells us that whatever we bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever we loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. When we come together in unity, seeking reconciliation and forgiveness, our actions resonate with the divine will. It is a theme that runs deep through the teachings of Christ, and it holds the potential to heal