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As we have been told over the last few days, these are strange times that we live in. Huge banks and financial institutions closing and others merging with one another. Huge amounts of money being made available to offset great losses. Banks having difficulty borrowing money to lend money. One thing is certain is that those down the line will have it more difficult, the cost of living is sure to increase for all. Higher bills are on the way. I wonder in this climate whether we can consider people in third world countries. Some of these countries already struggle with huge debt - what will it be like in the future? Some of these countries already struggle with petrol prices, how will they manage now. Some of these countries are absolutely dependent on trade which is sometimes stacked against them, what happens when no one is buying their goods. We might sneeze but they are going to catch the cold. So often those at the end of the line always get the worst of it. So often those who are the poorest get the poorest deal. If people here are going to have to struggle with things we can only imagine how hard it might be for others. The story that we have heard in the Gospel turns everything upside down, those who come last get the same as those who came first. Those who are at the end of the line are treated in the same as those who come first. Those who are at the end of the line have children to feed, a roof to put over their heads, clothes to put on their back. They receive the same as those who came first. It is a message that turns the world upside down. What the parable is realy speaking about is how God deals with us. He doesn’t favour one and not another. He wants to deal even handed with us all, if we should toil all the day long or come at the final hour. He wants to deal generously with us and with mercy. He want us to deal with an even handed, generously and mercifully with one another. Its not the only reality to accept the structures that we find, but we are called to look beyond. In our dealings with one another should mercy not be the thing that drives us. Mercy for those further down the line, those who come at the final hour. A family struggling to provide, mercy. A young boy or girl, gone off the ropes, mercy. People struggling with addiction, mercy. People who are lonely, mercy. People out of work, mercy. People losing their homes, mercy. People looking out to uncertain futures, mercy. How different this is from a world in which we look out for ourself, mercy inspired by Christ and modelled on him is the thing that brings us to our senses. It would be so easy in the present times to think about ourselves. Instead have an eye out for people further down the line who might be struggling and show not indifference but mercy. Our experience of God is of his mercy. His hand is not closed to us but open. His love is not grudging but generous. He doesn’t favour someone else and not us. His love is generous and merciful. Should we not develop that attitude. It might be easy to judge, criticise, be closed – but what about mercy. It might be so easy to develop and attitude of what is mine is my own, but what about mercy, what about others further down the line. We are merciful hopefully, because we have experienced mercy. We are all slightly late, but he deals generously and mercifully with us. Prayers of the Faithful 25 Sunday in OT Priest God is merciful and loving, we pray that he will listen to the prayers of the Church for a new world in which the kingdom of God can be more present. Intercessor For Pope Benedict, the Bishops and priests of the Church who are commanded to teach the Gospel of forgiveness and mercy – that their words may find rich soil in the hearts of all those who believe. We pray to the Lord For mercy and compassion, especially for the poor and needy in our world – that they may receive generosity, kindness, understanding and positive practical help. We pray to the Lord For those who seek God in their life, especially young people, that they may be open to his voice and the promptings of his Spirit. We pray to the Lord For those who experience mental anguish and uncertainty and who desire lasting peace. That God may calm the storms that afflict them. We pray to the Lord For teachers in schools, universities and colleges – that in all their efforts they may see that they are advancing their students in knowledge and wisdom – something which is a work given by God.
We pray to the Lord
For all who are nurses and doctors – that in their work they may realise that they are bringing healing and care to the sick who are always special to God.
We pray to the Lord Priest God our Father, every good thing comes from your hand. You are the source of all that we know to be good. Fill us with a desire to be merciful and compassionate for the sake of your name. Top Comment on this Homily |