Parable of the Two Sons

The Sunday Gospel [September 25, 2011]

Matthew 21:28-32

28“What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’29He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. 30The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. 31Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. 32When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.

Reflection

“Which one of the two did his Father’s will?” ~ Jesus in v. 31

Of course, it was the first son who did his Father’s will. Think about the father. Perhaps getting his grapes harvested wasn’t his only objective, or even the most important one he had in mind.

What is the Father’s intent for us? Perhaps there is more to it than meets the eye. God urges us to avoid sin not because he wants to make things tough for us but because he knows how much sin harms us and those we love. Perhaps what we may see as a burdensome church rule is intended as a doorway into a closer relationship with God, who longs to spend time with us but knows we may need the rule to make sure we spend time with him.

We may start out with a minimalist attitude. What is the least I can do and still be saved? But if we linger in our Father’s presence, we will discover that it is a delightful place to be!


Source: The Reflection is from Bro. Abel Navarro (you can visit his blog at http://myblogabelnavarro-abel.blogspot.com/).