Liturgical Table Talk: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Hors d'oeuvre
Name a time it was easy not to listen to a teacher, a parent, or a friend.
Dig in!
In the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Jesus used an analogy of workers going out into a vineyard. In the place where Jesus often taught, he would have been on the shore of Galilee with fields behind him. The content of what Jesus taught was radical, profound, and perhaps even revolutionary. The manner in which he taught was simple, plain, and down to earth. Today, he uses an analogy of servants in a vineyard again.
To explain what is meant when Jesus is described as radical, profound, and revolutionary, he just spoke what he spoke and he let the chips fall where they may. It has been said over and over, but to establish the context for this, Jesus said that he was not abolishing the religion that came before him. Instead, he was fulfilling it. We follow religion and religious traditions as they are told to us by Jesus. Because of that, we see Jesus displaying a wide range of behaviors. He tells Peter that instead of repaying vengeance seventy-seven times over, we should forgive seventy-seven times over. In spite of this appeal to mercy and forgiveness, Jesus speaks harshly to the religious leaders. Jesus calls the sinners to repentance, but he also calls the religious leaders out on their hypocrisy.
Everyone of us is in need of repentance. Last week, Jesus mentioned how two groups of people, tax collectors and prostitutes both of whom were disgusting the Jewish people of the day, were turning from sin and following Christ. Then Jesus called to the religious leaders and called them to repent in the ways that they were sinning. We are all sinners. Those outside of the Church and those within the Church. The manner in which we sin is different and what tempts us is different.
Last week, he pointed out the religious leaders’ sin in regard to the attitude in their heart. This week he continues as he calls out the religious leaders in the way that they are treating him and will treat him in the future. Through the parable of the wicked servants, Jesus is warning the Pharisees. He is saying that throughout Israel’s history, the religious leaders have rejected the movement of God that was started through the prophets. Now, in front of them, they have the ultimate and final movement of God. He sent his own son. In this parable, Jesus predicts his death and he gives them the chance to repent and to not be a part of it. They are not to be found in the long line of religious leaders who could not see what God is doing. Jesus confronts sinners and he also confronts those of us within the Church. How will we respond?
Please read Matthew 21:33-43 together.
Table Talk
- For people who are in the Church and faithful going to Mass, where do you think the dangers lie? What sins are easy for the faithful to commit?
- Jesus would not have been crucified unless there was a group of people who disagreed with him very strongly. What was it about Jesus that triggered people to the point that they thought killing him was the best solution?
- What do you think Jesus is asking the religious leaders to do? What is the lesson for us?
- Can you think of ways that today's gospel is challenging you to live differently in a specific way?
And for dessert
Lord Jesus, the history of believers is filled with prophets who came, spoke your word, and were killed for being faithful to your word. Lord, you are ever ancient and ever new. You continue to speak your word today and continue to do new things. Help us to recognize and not despise what you are doing. Help us to repent as you are calling us to repent and to following you in the new things that you are doing. Let your will be done on earth and in our lives as we pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven …
We ask this through Jesus who is Lord forever and ever. Amen.
Songs Suggestions to prepare your heart for Sunday's Liturgy
You Never Let Go by Matt Redman
Mercy on Me by Sarah Hart
Love Has Come by Matt Maher