Gospel – Matthew 21: 28-32
Jesus said, “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today .’
He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?”
They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you.
For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.”
The Gospel of the Lord
The Mass intention is for Dorothy Kotylak RIP
Reflection:
Today’s Gospel is very apt for our reflection today. The gospel reminds us of something we often forget: words can be meaningless. Promises are empty when not followed by action.
The first son is arrogant but his action shows his goodness. The second son sounds co-operative but fails to keep his promise.
How often do I make promises to others that quickly go out the window? My good intentions are no good to the person I intended to help, but didn’t.
Could I say: “I’m sorry, I won’t be able to do that for you,” instead of promising what I already know is not going to happen?
With which of these two sons do I identify myself?
Today, who are the prostitutes and the publicans who say:
“I do not want to”, but who end by doing the will of the Father?
