25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
In our reading, we hear that God is always ready to forgive us. We need to change our ways to do good and pray to God. God is more generous than we could ever imagine.
In our gospel, we hear the parable of a vineyard. A vineyard owner (God) went out to hire workers to pick grapes in his vineyard. They agreed on what the pay would be (eternal life). He went out again and hired more workers. About 5:00, he hired even more workers . In the evening, the owner called the workers together and paid each of them for a whole days work whether they were there the whole day or just part of it. The workers who were hired at the start of the day expected to get paid more because they worked longer. The owner, however, told them that he was fair in paying them the agreed upon wages. He had the right to also be generous to those who came late.
Special Saint– St. Robert Bellarmine – September 17th
Robert was born in Italy in 1542. As a young boy, he was not interested in playing games. Instead, he would repeat the sermons he heard to his younger brothers and sisters. He would also explain the catechism lessons to the little farm children in his neighbourhood.
After his first Holy Communion, he attended mass every Sunday.
Robert wanted to become a Jesuit priest but his father wanted him to study. Finally, when he was 18 years old, his father allowed him to join the Jesuit order. Robert was sent out to preach even before he became a priest.
Fr. Robert became a famous writer, preacher, and teacher. He spent 3 hours every day in prayer.
Fr. Robert became a cardinal. He knew catechism was so important that he still taught it to other people.
Cardinal Bellarmine died on September 17th, 1621 at 79 years old.
We can ask St. Robert to help us realize how important our religious instruction classes are. We should make an effort to be on time for classes, to pay attention and complete our assignments, and to take the study of our faith seriously.