GOSPEL READING:
Matthew 21:28-3228 "What do you think? A man had two sons; and he went to the first and said, `Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' 29 And he answered, `I will not'; but afterward he repented and went. 30 And he went to the second and said the same; and he answered, `I go, sir,' but did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the harlots believed him; and even when you saw it, you did not afterward repent and believe him."
Meditation: What kind of future are you preparing for? Jesus
encourages us to think - to think about the consequences of our
choices, especially the choices and decisions that will count not
just for now but for eternity as well. The choices we make now will
affect and shape our future, both our future on earth as well as in
the life of the age to come.
Repaying a debt of gratitude and showing respect where it is
due
Jesus tells a simple story of two imperfect sons to illustrate the
way of God's kingdom. The father amply provided for his sons food,
lodging, and everything they needed. Everything the father had
belonged to them as well. The father also rewarded his sons with
excellent work in his own vineyard. He expected them to show
him gratitude, loyalty, and honor by doing their fair share of the
daily work.
Converting both heart and will to do what is good
and pleasing to God
The "rebellious" son told his father to his face that he would not
work for him. But afterwards he changed his mind and did what his
father commanded him. The "good" son said he would work for his
father, but didn't follow through. He sought his own pleasure,
contrary to his father's will. Now who was really the good
son? Both sons disobeyed their father - but one repented and
then did what the father told him. Jesus makes his point clear -
Good intentions are not enough. And promises don't count
unless they are performed.
A transformed heart filled with gratitude and respect
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 - indestructable
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).
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.
Psalm 25:4-5,8-10,14
4 Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
8 Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
10 All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
14 The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.
Daily Quote from the Early Church Fathers: The Father and his two sons, author unknown, from the 5th century A.D.
"Who is this if not the God who created all people and loves them
with a fatherly affection, the God who preferred to be loved as a
father rather than feared as a lord, even though he was Lord by
nature? On this account, at the beginning of the commandments of
the law, he did not say, 'You shall fear the Lord with all your
heart' but 'you shall love the Lord with all your heart'
(Deuteronomy 6:5). To elicit love is not characteristic of a lord
but of a father. Of the two sons in this parable, the older one
represents the Gentiles, since they come from their father Noah.
The younger son represents the Jews, who come from Abraham. 'And
approaching the first, he said, "Son, go and work today in my
vineyard." 'Today' refers to this present age. How did he speak to
his sons? He didn't address them face to face like man, but he
spoke to the heart, like God. Man only utters words to the ear,
but God supplies understanding to the mind." (excerpt from
an incomplete Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, HOMILY 40)
