Word to the Wise
Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - 3rd Week of Advent - Tues
[Zeph 3:1-2, 9-13 and Matt 21:28-32,274]Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: "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." The son said in reply, "I will not," but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, "Yes sir", but did not go. Which of the two did his father's will? They answered, "The first."
Jesus uses this metaphor to confront the religious leadership for their refusal to accept John the Baptist's preaching and change their hearts. Although, culturally, the son who says "Yes sir!" may have avoided the public loss of face suffered by the father when the first son refuses, the ultimate honor goes to the first son according to Jesus. He points to the tax collectors and prostitutes who did listen to John the Baptist. They are the ones whose lives had dishonored God but now they have honored God by their change of heart.
Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation. Its more somber colors, which contrast sharply to al the Christmas decorations that start appearing even before Thanksgiving, can be lost in all the lights and tinsel! There may be moments during all of the secular preparation that one might swear to do it differently "next year," but the Lord is challenging us to a deeper reflection and conversion of heart. Is there someone with whom we could be reconciled? Is there someone whose health has failed, lost a job, lost a loved one? Is there a lack of prayer, understanding, love or reaching out that could be changed and thus make the lives of others more Christian? That could be a greater gift than anything that could be bought! In short, which of the two sons (or daughters) should we imitate? Can there be any doubt? AMEN