Fr. Bob’s Weekly Reflections

When I think of today’s Gospel, I think of a great story about St. Charles Borromeo. He was playing cards one day with a small group of his friends, when the subject of death and dying came up. “What would you do if you knew you were near death?”

We hear some strange words from Jesus in today’s Gospel. “Whoever exalts themself shall be humbled. But whoever humbles themself shall be exalted.”

Today we see Jesus surrounded by Pharisees. The situation is similar to a group of reporters hounding a political candidate; everyone shouting questions. Then a lawyer comes forward.

The past few weeks, Jesus has told us parables. Listeners see Jesus on the attack. In our Gospel today, the Pharisees have had enough. They plan a counterattack.

Many years ago, I was asked by our Friars in Kingston, Jamaica to give a youth retreat. Many think of Jamaica as an island of wonderful beaches and great hotels.

We have a great deal of talk about vineyards today, in both the Old and New Testament. Our first reading begins on a happy note. It tells of a man who has a vineyard.

Many parents can identify with the Gospel today. Jesus is not speaking about wayward children. He is speaking about the Chief Priests and the Elders.

I’d like to put the emphasis on today’s first reading, from Isaiah. The beginning of this reading is practical: “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call Him while He is near.”

The Gospel today opens with a straight question from Peter. “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often should I forgive him?” The answer Jesus offers: Seventy times seven.

This Gospel today reminded me of words from the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa: “Sometimes, we must forgive in order to live.”