(Zephaniah 3:1-2,9-13, Psalm 34:2-3,6-7,17-19,23, Matthew 21:28-32)
“The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went” (Matthew 21:28-32).
Service desks are wonderful. When I buy something at the supply store, take it home, and then decide I don’t want it, I can take it back and get a full refund. Even retail establishments honor the fact that we humans have the power to change our minds.
Jesus told the story of two young men who exercised their right to change their minds. Son number one was told “Go out and work in the vineyard today.” He replied, “I will not.” Later that morning he changed his mind and went into the vineyard.
Son number two told his father, “yes sir,” but quickly changed his mind and did not go.
Jesus asked the simple question, “Which of the two did his father’s will?” What they said at the outset was not as important as their follow through. The first son seemed rude at first, but then complied with his father’s wishes.
The second son was dutifully polite in the beginning, and then decided to do his own thing instead.
Jesus dealt with many religious people who from their earliest days knew the right answers to all the questions. Of course they wanted to do what God asked them. How would they dare not to? When it came down, however, to accepting God’s only Son, they turned the other way. Tax collectors and prostitutes, on the other hand, would have nothing to do with God early in their lives; yet when Jesus came, they repented and said “yes” to Him.
Jesus happened to be speaking with “the chief priests and elders of the people” when he told this parable. Then he came directly to the point: “Amen I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you.” Jesus went on to say, “Even when you saw that (sinners repenting), you did not later change your minds and believe him.” Jesus was giving them a second chance to reverse their earlier decision—a service desk of mercy—still they clung to their original decision to reject the Son of God.
Our Advent journey offers us a service desk of God’s mercy. Many of us are being challenged to change our minds about how wholeheartedly we are willing to follow Jesus. Are we ready to take action and move into the vineyard or will we be content with half-hearted lip service? How are we responding to God’s call at this moment in our lives?
“Come, O Lord, do not delay; forgive the sins of your people” (from Alleluia verse in today’s liturgy).
