September 25, 2011
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus tells a simple parable then asks a question: "Which son does the will of his father?" The priests and elders, who know Jesus is directing the parable to them, say: "The first son" -- the one who at first refuses to go into the vineyard and then changes his mind and goes. But what will the response be if we change Jesus' question to: "Which is the better son?" The likely reply will be: "The second" -- the one who says "yes Sir" but then doesn't go. In the Middle East, generations ago and today, respect for a father in the family and in public is highly valued. The son who says "I will not" -- even though he changes his mind and goes -- shames his father. Respect and honor for parents is not as highly regarded in our society. Yet, when I have an examination of conscience with teens before they go to confession, they will list "disrespect" of parents as a sin. In their words: "When we disrespect our parents." Sadly and tragically, a teen took his life this past week. Some of his peers, in virtual space where young people often chat, posted hurtful words about the boy. After recurring hateful remarks, he ended his life. It is time for soul searching. It is time to talk about and deal with verbal bullying in school and online. Let us pray for the boy, his sister and parents, his family and friends; for girls and boys who are belittled. Let us pray for the students, teachers and principal of the school he attended; for those who bully that they may receive counseling for behavior that is demeaning to others and themselves; for all of us who have said unkind things about others without appreciating the harm our words can cause. When we examine our consciences in the future, no matter how young or old we are, we can be mindful and confess our disrespect of others. Treating others with the dignity is something we learn from Christ.
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25th Sunday Ordinary Time
