The last two weeks’ Connecting Points have been about resisting something bad (revenge and resentment) and embracing something good (forgiveness and gratitude). These two Connecting Points serve as great examples of how our actions can, and should, reflect our faith. However, I think this weekend’s readings may hit even closer to home:
“Do nothing out of selfishness…humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others” (Phil 2:3).
The cynic in me has always thought that, no matter how good someone’s intentions seem, they are still selfishly based. Things are done or said to help that person get ahead, avoid extra work, or just to make that person feel better about themselves for doing or saying something. This is, obviously, not the right way to think, but sometimes I can’t help but feel this. The best leaders I’ve looked up to in my life have always lived under the assumption that everyone has the best intentions, no matter the situation. This latter way of thinking is how we can humbly treat others as more important than ourselves. By living in a way that assumes the best in people, we can cast aside our judgments, doubts, and cynicism. This is a challenging, but much better, way to live.
Another great comparison comes in the Gospel this week: A father asks his two sons if they will work in the vineyard. One says “yes” but does not go. The second one refuses, but he ultimately changes his mind and goes to work. In these characters, we find two images: those who follow the law and do not change, and the public sinners who disobey the law but see Jesus as an instrument of God’s mercy, asking him to forgive their sins.
We hear of God’s love and mercy at every Mass, and we celebrate his love through the Eucharist we receive. Yet, when we leave the church, are we living out that love and mercy? The fact is we are all going to sin. We are all going to do, say, or think the wrong thing from time to time, but it is what do we do following those moments of weakness that really shows our character. If our actions are truly to jive with our faith, we need to seek God’s mercy and ask forgiveness from him and the person to whom we did, said, or thought the wrong things. From there, let’s make a more concerted effort to push others’ needs and feelings ahead of our own.
-Matt Kush
