Posted by The WORD in other words (2011) by Fr Mike Mahinay SVD – Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay
Tuesday 19th Week in Ordinary Time
When we speak of the human person, we also speak of his dignity. Thus, Jesus warns us sternly of his concern for the little ones (v.10) and care for those who have strayed (v.12) and for those who do not count much in the society.
Nowadays, we hear their cries, complains, worries and all sort of anxieties brought about by the crisis we are confronted with. How shall we address and respond to Jesus’ plea? How can we possibly bridge the gap between rich and poor who belong to the same vineyard?
The Christian Community Bible Notes consider Jesus’ special concern for sinners and those who stray as part and parcel of the missionary dimension of his apostolate. Jesus came “to seek and save the lost” (Lk. 19:10), “to call the outcast, not the respectable people”(Mt.9:13). This attitude should impel our parishes and Christian communities to constantly reach out to the unchurched and marginalized, instead of just working with those who already are in touch with the church.
As Christ’s faithful followers, these Gospel messages remain a challenge for all of us… unless we let go of our comfort zones, constantly denying ourselves for the sake of the Kingdom, we will not succeed in bringing the Kingdom of God here on earth.
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