Today’s first reading is taken from the prophecy of Ezekiel 18:25-28. There, the Lord says if a virtuous man turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, then he must die because of that. The Lord adds that if a sinful man turns away from wickedness to do what is right and just, then he shall preserve his life.

Jesus is giving us a new presentation of the same Ezekiel prophecy. Through the story of two sons, Jesus makes it clear that a believer has to express his loyalty and  devotion not through words but through deeds. It gives us a clear understanding of what God wants from us. A believer has to listen to the Words of the Bible and change his mind from evil to the good. We have to respond to the Word of God positively.

The word behind the phrase, “changed his mind” can also be translated as “he regretted it” or even “he repented.” Even if we are living a sinful life and if we change that way of life to good, then we will be saved. Repentance is the key to heaven. Words could be meaningless and promises could be empty if not followed by actions. Do I make empty promises? We have said “yes” to God through Baptism and official membership in the Church. Do I follow those promises through actions of love? This is really the “good news” to many of us. Even if we haven’t done God’s will so far, even if we might have made terrible and shameful choices—it isn’t too late!

We each need to lead a responsible Christian life saying “yes” to God. Each one of us is responsible to God for every one of our actions, and the just God will punish or reward each of us according to our actions. As we do not know at what moment God’s call will come to us, our only guarantee is to be in God’s friendship always, saying “yes” to God in our deeds. God is always with us to strengthen us, to pardon us, and to lift us up again when, through human weakness, we stumble on the road. God is calling us right now or inviting us to work in His vineyard, inviting us to say “yes” to Him with our words and actions. We shall surely put our “yes” into actions always. Whenever it comes to the actions, only then is our “yes” fulfilled. Words and actions should go hand in hand. Always working in the vineyard is not for our sakes but for God. He is the owner of the vineyard and we are only servants who work in the vineyard, so therefore we shall always put into practice what we say, that is “YES!” to the Lord.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, help me to desire only that which is pleasing to you in my whole life, to accept your Holy will, whatever it may be, happiness or sadness. Help me to respect your will and please give me the strength, joy, and perseverance to carry it out wholeheartedly. And always help me to say “yes” to your holy will and put it into action and find satisfaction in all that I do for you and my neighbor. Amen.

With love and prayers,

Fr. Charley