A Reflection on the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Respect Life Sunday”

By Fr. Eric Asamoah

October is Respect Life Month, and today (October 4) is Respect Life Sunday. Each year at this time, the bishops of the United States call us to pause and reflect more deeply on the sacred gift of human life and our role in welcoming, cherishing, and protecting the lives of our brothers and sisters. This month’s theme is Mary, Mother of Life, which is wonderful since October is also a month dedicated to Mary and dedicated to praying the rosary.

Mary conceives and gives birth to Christ, the Author of Life.  Mary is both Mother and Protector of Life

The prophet Isaiah describes God’s relationship with Israel using the beautiful image of a vineyard. The owner carefully prepares the vineyard, plants the best vines, protects them, and provides everything they need. Isaiah identifies the vineyard as Israel, God’s people, and the “fruit” God seeks is justice and righteousness, not bloodshed and the cries of the oppressed. This reveals God’s loving and tender care for human life.

In our world today, we see countless examples of complete disregard for human life. From the child hidden in its mother’s womb, to the terminally ill patient nearing the end of life. Every person is created in the image and likeness of God and deserves respect and protection.

The Psalmist of today recalls God’s tender love and care: A vine from Egypt you transplanted; you drove away the nations and planted it. The Psalmist seeks God’s protection: Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted.

Today, on Respect life Sunday, we can also see the message in the Gospel of Matthew as a reflection of human life that is given to us as a sacred gift from God. The landowner lovingly cared for this land by planting a vineyard, putting a hedge around it, digging a wine press in it, and building a tower. This is a symbol of how God is the creator of our world and our lives, how we should see ourselves as the caretakers of this sacred gift he gives us.

In the vineyard of the Church and family, are we producing the fruit of the Holy Spirit? Is there justice? Is there compassion? Is there forgiveness? Is there generosity? Is there humility? Is there love?

As we recognize Respect Life Sunday, may we think of ways we are honoring God and His creation and the most vulnerable in society. Stay Blessed.