26th Sunday - Fr. Leo

As I read today’s Gospel about the two brothers, one who says he won’t do the father’s will and does, and the other who says he will, and doesn’t, I think the same can be said of those who say they are Christian.  We can all proclaim to be Christian, but living like Christ in humble service to God, in prayer and action, is the only thing that can truly mark us as Christian.

Who we are, Christ-like or not, becomes expressed in the way we live.  Our actions are the fruit of the vine we chose to be connected to.  Only a good tree produces good fruit.

The humility of Jesus who gave his life for us, is Paul’s example in our second reading.  Though God, he humbled himself in love to free us from sin and its effects.  Thus, humility is a cornerstone in the Christian life.  Looking to the needs of others rather than one’s own is an imitation of Christ.

When I think of this humility in the context of what is happening around us, there still being much gun fire heard regularly, I don’t see how that behavior can be validated.  It could be an expression of frustration, but also it could be just plain evil!  What would be helpful is, if in humility, all parties could sit at one table and air their issues. To be effective, honesty and humility would have to preside over all dialogue.  

Together the right actions can be taken, and for that to happen we need to pray.  Let us fervently pray for peace, and for humility.  “May the God who died for us show us the way to his kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.”