CONVERSION OR CHANGE?

October 1, 2017

26^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First reading (Ezekiel 18:25-28)

Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 25:4-9)

Second reading (Philippians 2:1-11)

Gospel (Matthew 21:28-32)

There is nothing permanent in this world except change. Remember this line. It's an overused line used to describe the reality of this world which is the permanence of change. But change, when used, may refer to either movement for better or for worse. There is another word that means change, but at a level deeper than change itself: conversion. Let us seek more wisdom as we reflect on this Sunday's Mass readings.

Conversion is change. But it is a change that transcends to what is perceived as better. In our gospel reading (from the account of Matthew), Jesus helps us distinguish conversion from simple change. He tells of two sons who are asked by their father to work in his vineyard. The first son said "yes" but did not go. The second son said "no" but eventually went to the vineyard.  The first son experienced change -a change of mind. He did the exact opposite of what he earlier said to their father. The second son experienced a deeper change -a conversion of heart. It is deeper because after initially declining his father's orders, he eventually obeyed.  It takes courage and more to move from a negative response to a positive one.

Yet, even this kind of change may still remain as simple change. In our first reading (from the book of the prophet Ezekiel), we hear of the mercy of God working in a sinful man who turns from wickedness to justice and righteousness. His life is saved by God because of such change.

But what does this change require to transcend simple change into conversion. We will find the answer to our question in our second reading (from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians). St. Paul invites the people to true conversion, when people"humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others." When we transcend our selfishness into sensitivity and concern for others, only can we say that we are converted. But conversion is not a one time deal as St. Paul explains. It always is an encouragement in Christ and participation in the Spirit. And this explains why we read the readings for this Sunday and for every Sunday.

Pray for conversion, not change. Pray that the changes we make each day be a deep change, a conversion to the ways of Christ, and everything will be better, because it is Christ who we are guided by and not by our own desires and plans.