Homily for 26th Sunday of Year A
by Fr. Michael Thang'wa, F.M.H.
The Word of God always challenges us to have a transformed heart – a heart filled with obedience, humility and repentance.
The two sons in the Gospel (Mt. 21:28-32) had a change of heart: the first son said no, at first, but later repented and obediently did the will of his father. The second son said, “yes sir” but later changed his mind and did not do the will of his father.
Prophet Ezekiel (Ez. 18:25-28) also talks about two kinds of people: a righteous person who changes his heart and starts living a life of sin; and a wicked person who changes his heart and starts living a life of righteousness.
In the history of the Church, there has been people who persistently said no to God, but through God’s grace they had a change of heart and lived a good and holy life. St. Augustine is one of them: he is said to have prayed to God: “Lord, make me chaste – but not yet.” But he had a change of heart, and we now celebrate him as a great saint in the Church.
This does not mean that we have to say ‘No’ to God first and then repent later. In Christian life we follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ who became obedient unto death. So, we should ‘have in [us] the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus:” thatis, to have the mind and the heart of Jesus. This is possible only through the grace of God which he generously grants to a repentant heart. God then strengthens transformed hearts to bend to His will.
My brothers and sisters, I believe each one of us is here because we are aware that our hearts are not always responsive to the will of God. Sometimes we make choices that are easy and convenient for us, without discerning the will of God. It is therefore good to ask yourself, at this time and moment, what is God asking of you?
As we celebrate the Eucharist, Jesus wants to give each one of us a heart like his: a heart that is nourished by His Word and His Body and Blood; a heart that has been transformed to transform lives and the world with a generous love.
The sins of the past must not prevent you from repentance and from opening your heart and life to God. No matter how far you have strayed from God, no matter how deep you have sunk into sin, it is never too late to turn back to God.
May Jesus change our hearts that we may only desire that which is pleasing to Him. May He help us to be repentant, humble and obedient to God.
Amen.