Matthew 21:28-31 NIV
“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ “ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered.
Take a Moment to Ponder
We should have a lot of sympathy for the second son in the story. Many of us, even today, believe that the word is the deed. We see it all the time, politicians, business leaders, and even religious leaders make grand announcements, but then nothing happens. This is where it stops. This parable is a great reminder of the necessity and power of action. There is another interpretation that the parable may offer to us. It is authenticity. Our word is our bond and we should stand by it. The second son responds to the Father’s request to work in the Vineyard with a ready yes. To be true to His Father demands, however, that He does what He says. In that way, the Father knows that the son is dependable, trustworthy, and authentic. Failure to do so means that the Father has a son that is not reliable. That is a tragedy for any parent – to have unreliable sons and daughters. The parable speaks about another son, who in response to that same request gives a flat-out NO, however, later changes his mind. The reaction of the Father is not stated but, we can only imagine that he was taken aback by the response, but heartened later on by the carrying out of the request. All in all, the parable gives a beautiful picture of human nature, which is true today. It describes our reaction to God and God’s will for our lives. Let’s pray about it especially given that our liturgy commands us to be the example of word and action.
Practical Action
Take a moment to think back to instances last month where you have made statements about what good initiatives you will carry out, but then fail to even make an attempt to carry it out. Think of two, and make an effort this month to do something about it.
A Moment in Prayer
O God, you call us to tasks of your choosing that your Name may be glorified and your people edified. Help us to find joy in paying attention to you which is what obedience demands. We pray further that it may be fueled by love knowing that you first loved us
We pray this in the Name of Christ who is the atoning sacrifice for our lives. Amen.
Contributed by Canon Michael Allen
