Reflection on the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ezekiel 18:25-28.   Philippians 2:1-11.    Matthew 21:28-32

  Whether I am reading the Motherhouse bulletin board or the New York Times, listening to CNN or Fox News, I am uncomfortably aware that the last few weeks have been packed with events of great consequence for our state, nation and many nations of the world. Moreover, it seems certain that the rapid pace will continue or even speed up.  Perhaps my awareness of rapid change is heightened because we Loretto members also face certain and unsettling changes now and in the near future.

This morning we probably don’t need a lot of words, sandwiched as we are between the six days of reflection we just had here at the Motherhouse, and the Zoom Gathering of the entire Loretto Community this coming week.  So, I propose we reflect briefly and quietly on a few lines from today’s readings.  Here are ideas we can count on as we strive to be the persons we want to be during these challenging times of unsettling change. 

In the words of the psalmist we might pray, “Your ways, God, make known to me, … teach me … guide me.”  If we can relax our tense shoulders and slow our breath, our attention will naturally turn to the Spirit, who is our teacher and guide.

We might take to heart the words of Paul to the Philippians, “Be of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing.”  Charles Nerinckx put it this way, “Have only one heart, one soul, one mind.”  This is not the sameness of ideas, but rather unity of intention, that all may be as God is leading. United in heart, we will look out for the interests of others as well as ourselves.

Jesus’ words to the Jewish teachers are meant for us, too: “Even when you saw and understood, you later did not change your minds.”  Jesus doesn’t look for instant and total conversion; nor does he measure by a standard of perfect performance. But he treasures honesty, the willingness to admit a change of heart, to graciously acknowledge seeing another’s point of view.

And finally, I found wise and sisterly words posted on the MH bulletin board, calling us to “monitor our suspicions, our judgment and our blame.”  And inviting us to “convert those energies into prayerful support of one another. … preserving the bonds of friendship among us … for our personal and collective evolution.”  May we let God make it so.