Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 'A'

Sunday September 28, 2008

From ‘No’ to a Resounding ‘Yes!’ or Just Do It!

It’s a parable to which most of us can relate because either we’ve been there and done that as a child or we’ve been there and done that as a parent.

I could usually tell from the tone of my mother’s voice whether or not an impending task was a command performance or just a friendly invitation to join in a few household chores. Whenever my dad overheard my delay strategy or my promise to do it later, he would tune in with a gentle but firm: “Do it now and bellyache about it later!” Words of wisdom for an indolent son!

Promises do not take the place of performance. However, beyond the ‘terrible twos,’ I do not recall ever having been as bold as the first son in this Jesus story. Perhaps I buried that memory when I went to seminary. I do confess, however, that my intentions have often been more intense than my actions.

William James once said that the greatest discovery of his time was that human beings could alter their lives by altering the attitudes of their mind. By now, this has become a truism.

Nevertheless, centuries before this “discovery,” the possibility of life-conversion was already acknowledged in Judeo-Christian thinking as is very evident in the readings this weekend which are all about change—attitudinal and actual.

Change is a God-given prerogative for everyone! A change of heart leads to a change of mind and a changed mindset can transform an individual life and an individual life can change the course of world events for good or for bad. Just think of what a change in the direction of the wind can do in Morristown or Long Valley. And think about the impact of melting glaciers in the Artic Circle can have on the water level on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

This observation may appear to overstate the reality but when one considers the dramatic impact of evil minds on world events, e.g., Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Idi Amin, and Osama bin Laden, to name only a few, it is not difficult to acknowledge the negative impact of one person’s actions. I

But the power of positive thinking has had an even greater impact on the civilization. Aristotle and Plato; Benjamin Franklin and Samuel Johnson; Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela are only a few among other historic figures prominent for their wisdom and courage. However, even these positive thinkers had to struggle with their response to goodness in the face of evil. Lighting one little candle can make a different in a darkened world.

If this is true of sophists, sages and political pilots, it is truer of religious figures.

In response to God’s call Moses said, “Send someone else!” But he relented and led the Jewish people out of bondage through the Sea of Reeds.

Jeremiah said, “I’m too young and inexperienced!” But he gave in and became one of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament.

Jonah the legendary preacher said: “I don’t wan to go—period!” But he finally conceded and preached salvation to the people of Nineveh.

Peter denied any association with Jesus not just once but three times! But he became a man of faith and the head of the Apostles.

Thomas the doubter refused to give his “yes” unless and until he put his hands into the side of Jesus and then cried out, “My Lord and my God!”

Paul spent most of his life saying “no!’ while he persecuted those who said “yes.” But succumbed to the call of Jesus to preach to the gentiles.

And there are loads of others in other eras and epochs: Augustine, Charles de Foucauld; and in modern times: John Isaac Newton and Thomas Merton whose lives were far from exemplary but gave in to the call to discipleship.

In essence, Ezekiel cautions his listeners: “Don’t blame everyone else for your mistakes. Accept personal responsibility for your actions. The past need not be a prelude to the present nor to the future. No one needs to be stuck anywhere! It’s never too late to change. In many respects, it’s really a matter of letting go of the baggage!

But “yes” is never enough!

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who profess one thing and practice another and those who say little and do a lot!

Our ultimate empowerment comes through our whole – hearted “yes” to live “in Christ.” This is summed up in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Jesus is the source of redemptive life. “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…” who was obedient, that is, who listened attentively to the voice of God within his heart and who because he listened, responded with full heart and for that reason, raised him up on the third day.

It’s a life-long challenge. Every day we are faced with the decision not only to say yes but even more importantly, to live our yes, Amen! Amen! Let God’s people say “Amen!”

Recent Articles

Fourth Sunday in Lent 'C'

Going home Shortly after the blessing of the Easter candle during the Easter Vigil Service, the priest presider or the assisting…continue reading...

Third Sunday in Lent 'C'

It’s never too late to make a difference. I enjoy my weekly visits to the nursing home in Morristown and my…continue reading...

Third Sunday in Lent 'A'

Conduits of Grace What would we do without water? Sixty percent of the composition of our body is water. We…continue reading...

Second Sunday in Lent 'C'

It was a transforming experience. It was during a trip to Colorado many years ago on a clear quiet evening that…continue reading...

First Sunday in Lent 'C'

No better time than now. In the movie, “The Passion of the Christ,” the depiction of Satan is subtle but interesting.…continue reading...