We are all familiar with the saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” Our readings today teach this very lesson very well. In our Gospel today, we hear the parable about two sons who are called by their father to work in the vineyard. Of course, we all recognize that Jesus is teaching us about God, our heavenly Father, who calls us to work in his vineyard. The first son says “I will not,” but changes his mind and goes. The second says “Yes, sir”, but doesn’t go after all. And even the chief priests and elders whom Jesus addressed recognized that the first son ultimately did his father’s will.
Part of the message in our readings today is that it is not enough for us to say we are following God, our heavenly Father’s will. Our actions must match what we say we will do. Our “yes” must be translated into action. That’s why the son who said he would go into the vineyard, but then did not, does not do the will of his father. It is not enough to say we are doing God’s will. Our actions must match what we say we will do.
Of course, there is only one Son who does the will of the Father perfectly: Jesus Christ. In today’s second reading, we hear Saint Paul call us to have the same attitude as Jesus, who humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death. Jesus’ “yes” to his Father was complete and absolute, and he followed through even though that “yes” would lead to the cross. So often in our lives we want to obey, but when obedience becomes difficult, we falter. In order to persevere in obedience, we need the humility to recognize that we cannot do it on our own. We need the strength of God’s grace to remain faithful. We need to follow Jesus’ example who often spent time in prayer with his heavenly Father. Fortunately, God, our heavenly Father, is abundant in giving us his grace; we need only to ask him for it.
I’m sure we can all admit that there are times in our lives when we more readily see ourselves in the son who initially says he will not go to work in the vineyard and then changes his mind. Perhaps we have gone through a time when we find ourselves opposing God’s will, only to discover that it’s a path that leads us in the wrong direction. Sometimes we’re the son who goes our own way, only to realize that our heavenly Father’s way is better. When we repent – that is, turn around – and change our ways – returning to the path of the Father – we will find life. We hear the prophet Ezekiel say that so clearly in today’s first reading. If the wicked person turns from the wickedness he has committed, and does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life.
Jesus’ response about sinners entering the kingdom of God ahead of the religious leaders should give us all hope. The son who changed course, overcoming his initial hesitation to do what the father asked him, was closer to the path than the son who ultimately only paid lip service to the father’s command. Jesus’ words remind us that even great sinners can enter the kingdom of heaven – if they repent. It is never too late to return to God and to do God’s will. As the tax collectors and prostitutes of Jesus’ day listened to John the Baptist calling them to repentance, they came to realize what their earlier “no” had led to. Once they saw what saying “yes” to God offered, they became zealous in seeking it.
As we gather, disciples of the Lord at this Eucharist, we ask for the virtue of humility, that we may recognize our need for the Lord’s grace to say “yes” and to remain faithful in doing all the Lord asks of us. May this Eucharist also stir our hearts to repentance and hope, recognizing that despite our failures, at any moment, the kingdom lies open to all who turn their hearts back to God.