Living the Faith
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Matthew 21:28-32 - Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: "What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' He said in reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did his father's will?" They answered, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him."
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Which of the two did his father’s will?”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
In Scripture when there is a parable about a vineyard, very often the vineyard represents Israel or the Kingdom of God. In fact, Israel was meant to be the Kingdom of God on earth. But the leaders and the people of Israel failed continuously to follow God’s ways. This is why we often see Jesus angry with the Pharisees. Though they are supposed to be shepherds to God’s people in Israel, they have become corrupt. In this Gospel, Jesus is telling them that many Gentiles, and even sinners, are entering the Kingdom of God before them. As Israel rejected Christ, the Church was being born. The Church is the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God on earth, but it extends well beyond the earth into heaven as well.
Though the Church is the Kingdom of God, this doesn’t necessarily mean that all Catholics are good citizens of the Kingdom. From the Gospel we learn that we are only good citizens of the Kingdom of God if we do the will of God. Do we follow the commandments? Do we believe the Church’s teachings? Do we receive the Sacraments regularly? Do we pray? Do we prioritize our vocation? Do we try to put into practice what God has asked us? In doing these things we do the will of God. It is not enough just to be Catholic, we have to live our Faith. In prayer consider how we can better live out our Faith.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above.(Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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