My Sisters and Brothers:
Last Sunday, Jesus proclaimed in the Gospel: “The first shall be last, and the last shall be first.” I believe today’s “Parable of the Two Sons,” contains a perfect follow-up to last week’s message (see the parable in Matthew 21:28-32). In it Jesus taught a lesson that specifically criticized many of the so-called “religious people” of his time. And he made a point to say some of the so-called and worst of “sinners” were actually more righteous than such people. In fact, there were “holier-than-thou” people of the time (and maybe even today) who used all of the correct “God words” when speaking to others, who prided themselves on their noticeable and strict observance of religious laws, and who even dressed the part of pious people, but who at the same time actually failed to follow through with the living out of God’s will in their daily lives. And very unfortunately for us, doesn’t this sound familiar!
The champion of today’s Gospel parable was actually the son who at first refused to do his father’s will, but who later and never-the-less had a change of heart, repented, and then went about doing what he had been asked to do. The other son, the one who loudly proclaimed his obedience but then did nothing to remain faithful to it, was sharply criticized by Jesus. As we contemplate these two responses to the Father, we are invited to consider if we ourselves, or others among us today, might somehow and also fit these contrasting descriptions of loyalty and/or faithlessness.
Remarkably, Jesus compared the first son in the parable to “tax-collectors and prostitutes.” They were those who in the eyes of “the righteous” were automatically condemned and who were considered to be incapable of receiving salvation. But Jesus made it clear such people were actually very much able to be “saved.” Ironically, Jesus compared the second son to the “religious people” who would have said all the right things, and who would have presented themselves as holy and respectable, but who in fact miserably failed to do what God wanted of them. Therefore, the parable makes it clear the “tax-collectors and prostitutes” would have had less difficulty entering the Kingdom of God than those otherwise ostensible “religious people” whom he condemned in this parable, and in so many other instances!
As we reflect on the message of Jesus today, we are invited to contemplate honestly about which of the two sons we can most identify. Do we call ourselves Christians, go to church regularly, routinely pray our prayers, outwardly follow the teachings of the Church, but at the same time really fail to do what God wants us to do? Do we love our God with all of our hearts, with all of our understanding and with all of our strength . . . and truly love our neighbors as ourselves (see Matthew chapter 22, verses 36 and following), or do we simply give lip-service to God while actually living lives far different from what God would want us to do?
As we reflect on the today’s Gospel, let’s truly examine our consciences, and if necessary let’s be like so many other “sinners” before us who have come to a knowledge of their sinfulness, who have repented, and who have turned toward a God with sincere and honest hearts. Above all, let’s not forget that whoever we are, even if we have not lived perfect lives, and have been the worst of sinners in our pasts, our God loves us more than we can ever possibly imagine! Let’s joyfully share this message with others, especially those around us who we might otherwise consider automatically condemned and not capable of being saved. Amen!
Praise God! Friar Timothy
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