by Fr Raymond Raj
Genesis 37:3-4,12-13,17-28
Psalm 104:16-21
Matthew 21:33-43,45-46
Brothers and sisters in the Lord, there is an old saying which says:-
“If your neighbour does not know that you are a Catholic, most probably you are not a Catholic.“
Speaking of rejection, my dear friends, when you and I face rejection in life, be it parish, be it family or even the world, it does not mean we are not good enough. When we face rejection, it does not mean that we are not good enough.
Rejection simply means the other person, our neighbour, has failed to notice our offer. Therefore, brothers and sisters, rejection is merely a redirection of our purpose.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus felt rejected and point blank Jesus told the people:
“The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to people who are able to produce fruit.”
Brothers and sisters, no fruit can grow or fall from a tree without effort. No fruit will fall from the tree or grow without effort.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, to produce spiritual fruit, first and foremost, you and I must be prepared to work. Likewise, my dear friends, prayers are only answered when you and I cooperate with God.
Each time we take part in the Holy Mass, God gives us the strength. Every time you participate in this Holy Eucharist, God is giving you spiritual strength to work for His kingdom.
Therefore, my dear friends, if we choose to remain stagnant, this is my point today, if you and I choose to remain stagnant, choose to remain passive, even after attending the Holy Mass, after receiving the Body of Christ, then please be assured Jesus is going to look at us and say:
“The kingdom of God will be given to others, for those who are willing to work and produce fruit.”
So today, my dear friends, let us pray for the grace that God will give us the grace to be workers of His kingdom. Workers not bystanders.
We pray for this grace during this Holy Mass.
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