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Readings for September 18, 2011
Catechetical Sunday
Isaiah 55:6-9
Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a
Matthew 20:1-16a
Communities all around the country are celebrating Catechetical Sunday this weekend. I have the privilege of reflecting on these readings from the perspective of being a catechist for forty-six years. They have much to teach us.
This year's theme for Catechetical Sunday is "Do This in Memory of Me." These words, so central to our worship and celebration of Eucharist, are only recorded by one Gospel writer. Matthew and Mark do not include them. John does not even describe the meal Jesus shared with the apostles. Instead, he chooses to focus on the beautiful story of Jesus washing the feet of his apostles-an example of humility and service. Luke 22:19 is the only record we have of this command. It compels us to ask, "What does it mean?" To what does the word "This" refer?
There are ten meal stories in Luke. Each of these tells about a journey and the sharing of a meal. Jesus dines with his disciples, tax collectors, Pharisees, scribes and sinners. Seven of these stories happen on the journey leading up to the Passover meal where we read the words of Jesus, "This is my Body. This is my Blood." This meal is the highest expression of hospitality in Luke's Gospel. It is the meal that sustains us on our journey to the kingdom of God. The final two stories are post-resurrection experiences. They give us a glimpse of the end of the journey. Jesus gathers one last time with disciples and apostles before his return to the Father. I encourage you to read through the gospel of Luke and discover for yourself the great teaching in each one of these meal stories. The ones that lead up to the Passover meal give us new insights into the Jesus who not only shared meals but shared his life with those around the table. The ones that follow prepare us for how we must commit ourselves to extend this hospitality to one another as we continue the journey in our own lives.
So, when we remember "this," it is right to think that Jesus' words invite us to even more than sharing Eucharist each week. They invite us to make the entire life of Christ present as we go forth from the Eucharist-in every aspect of our lives. Think for a moment what you know about the life of Jesus. Return to the stories of Luke to see how Jesus reveals himself to those who share his table. Through them we come to know Jesus the healer, the teacher, the one who challenges hypocrites, the one who forgives. Jesus is compassionate to the outcast, comforts the one who mourns, defends the one who is considered a stranger. For one who shares a meal with Jesus life will never be the same. We are called to become like Jesus who shares his meal and his life with us. We are called to do all these things in memory of him. We are called to make these actions of Christ present in our lives. We are called to become Christ for others.
Most importantly, today, we are called to share this message, this invitation of Christ, with the children. The women and men who give themselves in service this year to the ministry of catechesis will try, in every way, to "Do this in memory of Jesus." They will come closest to John's description of the meaning of the last supper as a model of humble service to the least among us.
How, you may ask, do today's scriptures inform this theme? Isaiah reminds us that our thoughts are not God's thoughts. Once we recognize this reality we must seek to know, to understand and to conform our thoughts and our lives to those of our generous God. To do what God asks of us, "Do this in memory of me."
Paul reminds us that our lives must be lives of "fruitful labor." Imagine the fruitful labor that will enrich our community this year. Literally more than a hundred adults pouring themselves out in service to the children so, together, they can come to know more about God and choose to shape their lives "in memory of Jesus."
The Gospel, so familiar and yet so challenging, teaches us the greatest lesson. Some of us come late to the call. Some of us come early. But the owner of the vineyard is the one who sets the standard for the labor-- out before dawn, searching for those who are idle, calling those who are looking for some fruitful labor to fill their lives. The owner knows there is work for everyone in the vineyard and is willing to accept anyone, even the least energetic or enthusiastic. And, at the end of the story the owner is still at work, past the time when the laborers have ended their day, generously sharing his bounty with all who responded to the call. He is willing to return more to each worker than their labor is worth. It is the owner who answers the grumbling of those who have not yet realized that God's ways are not our ways. The owner demonstrates with his every action the meaning of "fruitful labor." He works joyfully, generously, untiringly and lovingly. And, at the end of the day all are richer for it.
Tomorrow is a new day. We will rise and go into the vineyard of our own lives. Let us do everything in memory of Jesus. Let us strive to follow the example of the owner as we try to become worthy laborers. Let us offer our lives as the fruitful yield of a labor of love. In Paul's words, "let us conduct [ourselves] in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Christine Ondrla is the Director of Religious Education at Ascension. She is the mother of three and has seven grandchildren.
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