Father Steven Reilly, LC
Matthew 21:28-32
Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: "What do
you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ´Son,
go and work in the vineyard today.´ He answered, ´I will not´; but
later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second
and said the same; and he answered, ´I go, sir´; but he did not go.
Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The
first." Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors
and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you.
For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not
believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed
him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and
believe him.
Introductory Prayer: Lord, I thank you for giving
me another opportunity to pray. Forgive me for when I dont give
the best effort that I should. I know that you will help me to get
the most out of this special time.
Petition: Lord, help me to see your hand at work
all around me.
1. Conversions and Credibility. Giving sight to
the blind, feeding huge crowds and cleansing lepers are truly
impressive miracles. Christ did them all. But even more astounding
were the conversions. If John helped people along the way of
righteousness, we cannot even begin to fathom the impact Jesus had
in souls. Indeed, the most hardened sinners tax collectors and
prostitutes found hope in Jesus words and many, many prodigal
sons and daughters returned to the Fathers house thanks to Jesus
and his call to repentance and spiritual healing. Only the stubborn
pessimism of the Pharisees could keep from seeing the total
goodness of Jesus. We should never lose hope for any soul for whom
we are praying.
2. The Passing of John Paul: A Sign for the World.
When millions of people who descended upon Rome to say goodbye to
John Paul II, we all felt holy pride in our Catholicism. We were
the privileged witnesses in our own time of the massive power of
the Gospel, as in the days of Jesus when crowds followed him
everywhere, listening to his words of mercy. The media stood back
in awe and gave hundreds of hours of coverage. It was a delight to
turn on the evening news to be treated to a catechetical lesson on
some aspect of John Pauls life or the Church. We can see Gods
providential designs. If Pope John Paul II had resigned earlier
because of his declining health, humanity would have been denied
this experience of being together on retreat. Of course, some will
cling stubbornly to their secularism -- Even after you saw it, you
did not change your minds and believe in him --, but it was a big
victory for the Lord and we should continue to relish in it.
3. If You Can See the Fruits, Whats Holding You
Back? That brings up another question, more pertinent and
personal: Whats our next step? The Pharisees clung tenaciously to
their prejudiced view of Christ; their lack of positive response is
understandable. Similarly the secularists can be expected to
continue their unrelenting battle against the values of the Gospel.
But what about us? We saw the fruits of John Paul IIs life. Our
own commitment to holiness should be the first great step. More
than anything else, Pope John Paul was a prayer warrior who won
victories on his knees. He was also a man of action, who never
wearied of new initiatives, filled with hope in Gods power. The
next move is ours.
Dialogue with Christ: Lord, help me to never be
content with being a courtside cheerleader for the Church. I know
that you want me in the middle of the fray. Help me to be confident
in your power and grace.
Resolution: I will volunteer for an evangelizing
activity in my parish or some other Christian apostolate.