25th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A - Seek The Lord

In this weekend’s first reading (Isa. 55:6-9), God’s word encourages everyone to turn to the Lord in prayer and “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near.” It doesn’t matter the time when you are hearing this word, or whether you’re an old man or a young lady; God never ignores the prayers of those who come to him in humility. This call is an open invitation to seek the Lord and to be part of His kingdom.

In the Gospel (Mt. 20:1-16), the parable seems to address that while the Jews were first called into the vineyard of the Lord, the gospel should also be preached to the Gentiles, and they should be admitted to equal privileges and advantages like the Jews. The parable could also be applied more generally as follows:

1. That God is debtor to no man or woman.

2. That many who begin last, and as though they had no bearing, by the blessing of God arrive at a great deal of knowledge, grace and usefulness.

3. That all recompense of reward will be given to those who have strived for it, but not according to the time of their conversion. Until we are hired into the service of God, we are standing all the day idle: a sinful state.

The marketplace where laborers are waiting to be hired is the world, and from there we are called by the gospel. Jesus is calling you today from that marketplace to work for him, do not hesitate. Whatever your reasons may be, trust that you will be lovingly rewarded. If God gives grace to others, it is kindness to them, and not injustice to us. Therefore he does no wrong to anyone, by showing extraordinary grace to some people. Let us never envy or grudge, but rejoice and praise God for His mercy to others as well as to ourselves.

In honour of this weekend’s readings, we would like to share our latest video, "Seek The Lord", a powerful Catholic hymn calling all to seek the Lord while He may be found! Written by American Roman Catholic priest and founder-member of the St Louis Jesuits (Robert) Roc O'Connor (b 1949), the hymn was originally published in 1975.

Video can be watched by clicking here or on the picture below: