It is always true that reading the Scriptures before coming to Mass is not only wise, but also a great way to “get more out of the Mass.” We might also add that it is a great way to put more into the Mass! (If you need help: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092423.cfm)
The teaching of Jesus is clear in the parable found in Matthew 20, 1-16: God is generous with His mercy; generous to lengths and depths beyond our imagination or comprehension. Jesus teaches that God chooses to love everyone with the same love, the same mercy, and the same generosity – in spite of when we show up for work, in spite of how we receive or reject His love. With this truth in mind, our approach to the spiritual life is never a question of our “deserving” God’s love: none of us, not one of us, deserves the mercy of God, much less is there anything we could do to earn or merit God’s love. Are we clear on that?
God’s mercy and love are pure gift. And every one of us, without exception, is a beneficiary of God’s extravagant mercy. In fact, the generous and merciful love of God is the model of how we are called to love our neighbor; it is always the starting point for all our deliberation and decisions on social and political matters. With all due respect, campaign promises are not our starting point, the platforms of political parties aren’t our starting point, even current law and policies are not our starting point. All of these are factors to be considered, yes, but only after we have rooted ourselves deeply in the teachings of Jesus and in our love of God and neighbor.
May the nourishment we receive this Sunday, through God’s Word and in the Eucharist, teach us to make the love of God and neighbor our starting point in all things … and to “make our own” the thoughts and the ways of the Lord.
