The scene from today’s Gospel (Mt 21, 28-32) is the Temple of Jerusalem. Jesus was there teaching the crowds; some chief priests and elders of the people approached, interrupting him rudely and asking him for explanations about who had given him the authority to do what he was doing (cf. Mt 21:23-27). These individuals thought that they alone had the ability to teach the people the law of God, as authentic interpreters of the divine will and guides of the people chosen by the Lord.
Jesus responds with a parable that fits a theme that has a great tradition in Israel: the different reactions of two brothers to the same event. For example, the stories about Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Isaac, or Esau and Jacob were stories that described different reactions of two brothers to the same event, and they were well known to those religious men interrogating Jesus. Thus, the parable would resonate more easily with them.
True Obedience and Repentance
The Parable of the Two Sons is a powerful teaching of Jesus about true obedience and repentance. The parable emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance and concrete obedience. What a person has done in the past does not matter; what counts is the present response to God’s call. Repentance is more meaningful than empty words, and true obedience is manifested in actions.
The Parable of the Two Sons teaches that authentic obedience to God is demonstrated by actions, not just words. God seeks not only a verbal profession of faith but a change of heart that translates into concrete actions. Repentance and obedience are the true signs of a transformed life.
Religious Hypocrisy
This parable warns against religious hypocrisy, where words that portray obedience are not supported by positive actions. It invites us to examine ourselves and ask whether our lives truly reflect God’s will, or whether they are simply making empty promises.
Furthermore, the parable offers hope to those who have strayed from God: it is never too late to repent and return to the right path. God is merciful and joyfully welcomes those who repent and decide to obey Him. Advent season is more than an adequate moment to make this return to the right path. Has there been a big gap between your profession of faith and your actions? Look for the opportunity to locate a priest and avail yourself of the sacrament of reconciliation as we move on with the Novena and preparation for Christmas.
Personal Reaction
Jesus’ words are an invitation to react. “You and I – said Saint Josemaría – must remember and remind others that we are children of God, to whom, as to the characters in the Gospel parable, our Father has addressed the invitation: Son, go and work in the vineyard. I assure you that, if we commit ourselves every day to considering our personal duties as a divine request, we will learn to carry out the task with the greatest human and supernatural perfection of which we are capable. Perhaps sometimes we will rebel – like the eldest son who replied: I don’t want to -, but then, feeling repentant, we will know how to react to God’s call, and we will dedicate ourselves with renewed commitment to the fulfillment of our duty.”
