One For (or Against) All

September 28: Twenty-Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time:

Ezekiel 18:25-28; Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Philippians 2:1-11; Matthew 21:28-32

What is Jesus saying to us as stewards of his kingship? (To support Reaching Jesus: 5 Steps to a Fuller Life... Step Five).

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“Let each of you look… to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).

Ezekiel gives a clear choice: life or death. Jesus does too, in the Gospel. Those who believe God’s words and act on them find happiness. Those who don’t destroy themselves.

But no one lives in a vacuum. The diseased infect others. The reckless put others at risk. Non-litterers beautify the streets. Those who don't cuss enhance the environment. The violent lead the country into war. The mediocre drive others out of church. Individuals make or break society.

God told Ezekiel (3:17, 33:7) “I have made you a sentinel for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning…If you do not speak to warn the wicked I will require their blood at your hand.”

Sentinel, steward: both have responsibility for the well-being of the community. We became both by our baptismal anointing as sharers in Christ’s kingship. More than Cain, we are “our brother’s keeper” by Christ’s foundational command: “Love one another as I have loved you.” His love led him to die for others and leads us to live for them.

Paul writes: “Have in yourselves the same attitude as in Christ Jesus.” Jesus was the Word made flesh; he spoke out. So must we, “whenever we hear a word from his mouth”—or from his Spirit—addressing what is around us.

PRAY: “Lord, open my lips.”

PRACTICE: Cry “Wolf!” when there is one.