One son refused to do his father’s bidding, but later repented and did as requested. The other son agreed immediately but did not do as he was asked. Both sons have lessons to teach.
God values a late conversion. He demonstrated this in the justice and mercy He showed to those who came to the harvest late.
God equally values the repentant sinner. The one who at first refuses Him, then changes his mind and goes to work in the field, is the one who does his father’s will. “I tell you in just the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.” (Luke 15:7)
And the second son, the one who said “Yes, sir, ‘but did not go?” What can we learn from him? Are there ways in which we pay mere “lip service” to God? We promise to follow Him in all ways, but then convince ourselves we have done enough or let ourselves become busy with other things and have no time for God? Jesus told us, “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)
Our faith moves us to act. It is words followed by actions that God values. Let us show our love for Him by showing the truth of our words in the deeds we do.
Pax Vobiscum
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
amen and yes one step at a time, prayerfully with love….