Dear brothers and sisters, “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
The story Jesus told in the Gospel reading of today was directed to the Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes, and Spiritual leaders of His time. A man had two sons. He told the first son, go and work in the vineyard today, and he replied, I will not, but afterward changed his mind and went. He equally told the second son, go and work in the vineyard today, and he replied, ‘Yes, sir, I will go, but afterward did not go. The Chief Priests and the elders rightly answered Jesus that it was the first who did the will of his father amongst the two sons.
Jesus right away applied His story to the Pharisees, Chief Priests, and Elders in relation to the tax collectors and prostitutes. The Pharisees, Chief Priests, and elders are like the second son, who said, “Yes” to his father’s demands but did not do the will of his father. The Pharisees, Chief Priests, and Elders claim to be the “chosen” of God, more righteous, more knowing of the laws, and more religious, but they refused to believe in those sent by the Lord. They refused to believe in John and the message of John. They also refused to believe in Jesus Christ and the message of salvation of Jesus Christ. Instead, they persecuted, tortured, and crucified Him.
On the other hand, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are like the first son who initially said, “No” to his father’s demands, but who, after some thoughts, repented of his decision and went and did his father’s will. The tax collectors and prostitutes, through their sins, rejected God. But when they heard the message of repentance, the message of salvation brought by the messengers of God, they amended their ways. They accepted the message of repentance of John the Baptist and the message of salvation of Jesus Christ. Every Christian is called to receive the message of repentance and salvation. Through our sins, we say no to God, His mercy, and His salvation. But through our repentance and acceptance of God’s message, we say yes to the will of God. The change of heart and to “do the right thing” is what is demanded of every Christian. The change of heart towards God and His salvation is the hallmark of repentance and salvation. Suffice it to say that change of heart is exemplified in our actions and authentic Christian living, and not by mere words. Of course, action speaks louder than words.
God desires the change of heart that leads to repentance and salvation. God, through the Prophet Ezekiel, tells us that if the wicked turn from their wickedness and do what is right and just, they shall preserve their life. However, when the virtuous turn away from virtue to commit iniquity, they die because of the sin they started to commit (Ezk. 18:25-28).
Advent Season is the time of expectation for the coming of the Savior. It is essential that we re-examine our lives, re-evaluate our journies, re-affirm our commitments, and re-energize our Christian lives. The best attitude is to say yes and maintain yes, and not be like those who say yes without following through, as we saw in Jesus Christ’s parable today. Let us turn to God, say yes to His will, His commandments, and live.
Always remember that Jesus loves you!
