Ezekiel 18:25-28
Philippians 2:1-11
Matthew 21:28-32
The gospel for today’s readings shows the mounting tension between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders which we heard about the last three Sundays. Prior to today’s gospel, Jesus has entered Jerusalem and overturned the money changers’ tables in the Temple. This action increased the attention of the religious authorities who question Jesus about the source of his authority.
Jesus answers using a parable. A father asks his sons to go to the vineyard and work. The first son says “no”—but eventually changes his mind and goes. The second son says “yes”—but never goes to work in the vineyard.
Jesus’ question to the leaders is pointed and direct: Which son did what the father wanted? The familiar saying “Actions speak louder than words.” comes to mind.
Which 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. When 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.” and that even if his words were disobedient, the son who did the work as ordered did the father’s will.
Jesus’ conclusion is also direct. The chief priests and elders, the ones who speak most often about God, did not act accordingly. They did not respond to the message of repentance announced by John the Baptist with a change of heart. Instead, John’s message was put into practice by those you would not expect to repent—tax collectors, prostitutes, and other sinners. Because of their actions, these sinners will enter the Kingdom of God ahead of the religious leaders.
God’s invitation comes to us in our own time and place where we are right now. Our response to God comes in our neighborhood, workplace, family, community, and the earth. Jesus tells us to go feed someone, stand beside someone who has been pushed aside, work for justice, care for creation, build community, and tell someone that they are loved.
Our relationship with God must become embodied. Jesus tells us to love God and love our neighbor, which is to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, care for the vulnerable, make peace, and love our enemies. God is not simply interested in what we say but in what we do. It is faith is action.
How well do you respond to God’s invitation to act?
What causes you to say no?
