September 20, 2020 - 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

“The Lord is near to all who call upon him.” Psalm 145:17

Readings

Prophet Isaiah 55:6-9

Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a

Gospel according to Matthew 20:1-16a

Reflection

by Sister Dorothy Jean Beyer, OSB

The first reading greets us with these powerful words: “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call him while he is near.” Yes, our loving and gracious God is so near to us. All we need to do is call and he will answer with his generous gifts of grace in abundance.

But we forget. 

Our thoughts turn to fear and to anxiety. We turn in to ourselves, trying to control and to fix. That is our ego speaking and acting. God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways,…. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts.”

Let us remember. “The Lord is gracious and merciful. The Lord is of great kindness. He is good to all and compassionate toward all his works.” Stop a minute, embrace these words. Listen to what your heart tells you. Yes, the Lord is indeed kind and merciful to me. Such sweetness to embrace. May we be kind to ourselves and kind to others. We know the kindness of our God. Let us pass it on.

From the Rule of St. Benedict

“Hour by hour keep careful watch over all you do, aware that God’s gaze is upon you, wherever you may be.” RB4:48-49

Gospel Acclamation

“Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.” Cf Acts 16:14b