Zephaniah 3:1 -2.9-13,
Ps 34:2-3.6-7.17-15.19,
Matthew 21:28-32. Full Readings
Not the One Who Says, But the One Who Does
Beloved friends in Christ, today we have a great teaching from the parable of the two sons who were told by their father to go and work on the farm. The first son refused but later changed his mind and went to work on the farm; he hesitated, but proceeded to do everything the father asked. The second one said Yes but didn't go to work on the farm; he gave a fine display of obedience but did nothing. This Gospel teaches us that it is not about those who just say and not do but those who do. It is also never too late, until it is late (final judgment), to change our mind, our attitude, our behavior like the second son, and do what is right. We may have developed certain habits in our lifetime, such as drinking, gambling, gossiping, stealing, or cheating. Whatever unhealthy patterns we may have acquired, we have the power to change at any time and can decide to live our life more freely and lovingly by God’s grace.
In this parable, we see two kinds of attitudes among Christians today. Those who say and those who do. To do the will of the Father does not only mean performing religious rituals, but following the commandment of love, and not all those who say Lord Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven but those who do the will of the Father. Where do you and I belong? We are invited in this advent to be like the first son who was rebellious at first but later changed his heart and went to work in the vineyard of his Father. Let us not be like the second son who despite saying yes, he didn't go to work, here we become Christians with empty promises. The most severe punishment will be given to us who much was given but not follow it, those of us who know the gospel what it entails, and its demands but do not heed to it, and those of us who pretend to be good Christians outside but inside it is evil that dwells there. Oh, How severe will our punishment be!
We must never make assumptions about whom the Lord will accept or reject. There can be so much good in those we consider evil and there can be so much evil in those we consider good. The prostitutes, the tax collectors, the garage boys, the street urchins, the prisoners and all those we see as the odd assortment of degeneration are finding their way to heaven through a sincere act of conversion. What matters to the Lord is sincerity of conversion and obedience to his word. In the words of G.K. Chesterton, “just going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car”. We may come to church every day, recite the rosary and follow the Stations of the Cross and observe other devotions; but, if there is no sincere act of conversion, we are off the track.
God wants to change our hearts so that we will show by our speech and by our actions that we respect his will and do it. God offers each one of us the greatest treasure possible - indestructible peace, joy, and friendship with him in his everlasting kingdom. We can lose that treasure if we refuse the grace - the free gift of God's blessing and strength - which the Lord Jesus has won for us through his victory on the cross. The Lord Jesus fills us with the gift of the Holy Spirit who works in and through us for the glory of God. Do you seek to please God and respect his will and loving plan for your life? Allow the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with the peace, joy, and righteousness of God's kingdom (Romans 14:17).
Let us Pray
Lord Jesus, change my heart that I may only desire that which is pleasing to you. Help me to respect your will and give me the strength, joy and perseverance to carry it out wholeheartedly. Amen
Be Blessed
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