The readings of today make me ponder on my own life. The word that comes to me immediately is, “change.” The two sons in the Gospel make me think. One did not agree to go to the vineyard to work but later changed his mind and went. The second agreed but did not go. Keeping my word and being consistent is something that I need to be careful about.
As a Jesuit, taking up various responsibilities, I am expected to make decisions. But there are times when I change my mind and revise my decisions, for better or worse. A change for the good usually have a positive outcome. But a change for the worse has created a number of uncomfortable situations. It has hurt the sentiments of some, jeopardized a situation, left bitter feelings in some, and made me unhappy.
I keep thinking about what makes me change my mind especially in a negative way. I realize that it is my attachment. In the Buddhist tradition, clinging or attachment is seen as the root of all suffering. The “inordinate attachment” Saint Ignatius of Loyola talks about is what pulls me away from doing what is right and what is good in the sight of God. This makes me ask myself, especially when I am unhappy, “What am I clinging to? What are my attachments? It could be a person, an idea, an expectation, power or possession.”
Today I am invited to change, to let go, to make the right decisions in order to be free and happy. The second reading reminds me that Jesus, even though was in the form of God, did not cling to equality with God. He did not cling to a good life or comfort. He emptied himself, became like one of us and died on the cross.
This self-emptying is what all of us are asked to ponder today. You and I need that trust and faith in our heavenly Father to let go, to change and to become better.
Rev. Anish Kochanichottil, SJ
My name is Anish Kochanichottil. I am a Jesuit from India, currently residing at the Jerome Nadal Jesuit Residence while pursuing my MBA from Creighton University. Before coming to the USA, I was involved in school education for over a decade. My academic background includes a doctorate in education, with research focused on Critical Pedagogy and Missionary Education. I am truly excited to be part of the online ministry’s daily reflections and to share my insights.
