
Today the Gospel is simple. The Lord asks his disciple two simple questions. What is your answer to the questions?
A man had two sons. To one he said, “I want you to work in my vineyard today”. He said “No”, but eventually changed his mind and went to work. The other was asked the same, he said ’Yes’, but did not go. Which of them did the Father’s will?
They all said, “the first”. I am sure that is your opinion also.
We have an example of obedience in the second reading. “Christ became obedient even unto death”. The obedience of the first son is hardly comparable to the obedience of Jesus. But eventual obedience is what matters. To say “yes” and mean “no” is not following Christ. To say “No” and eventually do the request is more like the way and it is certainly more pleasing to the Father.
This is a story about second chances. We are all given another chance.
This story is about my life and my good intentions. Our “Yes” to God has to mean more than words. It has to be followed up with deeds. To say “Yes” is not enough. Jesus points to the tax collectors and the prostitutes who are making their way into the kingdom of Heaven. Though they said “No” in the first instance, “they are making their way into the kingdom of heaven”.