Actions More Than Words
Jesus tells of a father who had two sons in this Sunday’s Gospel reading. The father approached the first son and asked him to go and work in the vineyard. The first son, initially reluctant, eventually had a change of heart and went to work in the vineyard. The second son, on the other hand, immediately agreed to go but did not follow through with his promise. Jesus then asks the crowd, "Which of the two did the will of his father?" The answer is clear: the first son who, though initially resistant, ultimately obeyed his father's command.
Jesus gives this parable in response to intense questioning from the Scribes and the Pharisees who are attempting to discredit Jesus’s authority. In response, Jesus points out those who claim to be righteous did not respond to John the Baptist’s call to conversion just as they were not presently responding to the same call from Jesus himself. Who did respond? Those who were thought to be the worst of sinners.
This parable reminds us that our faith is not merely about words or intentions but it must also be rooted in our actions. It's not enough to say we believe in God and His teachings; we must live out our faith through our deeds. We see in the first son a reflection of our own journey of faith. There are times when we may initially resist God's call or commandments. We may struggle with doubt, fear, or reluctance, but it's what we do in the end that truly matters. Just as the first son had a change of heart and obeyed, we too can turn our hearts back to God and follow His will.
On the other hand, the second son, who readily agreed to go to the vineyard but failed to do so, serves as a warning to us. It's easy to make promises and profess our faith, but if our actions do not align with our words, our faith remains superficial. Hypocrisy can be a stumbling block to our spiritual growth and a hindrance to our witness as Christians. We must ask ourselves are we like the first son, sometimes hesitant but ultimately obedient to God's call? Or are we like the second son, quick to make promises but slow to act on our faith?
What is the “good news” for us this Sunday? Jesus says in the Gospel that tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God, even before the self-declared righteous. Our past sins and mistakes or initial reluctance in our discipleship do not define us but rather our willingness to turn back to God and live out our faith in action; this is the pathway to eternal life.
Faith Formation – The Mass
Next week I will be beginning to present a series on the theology of the Mass by Bishop Robert Barron. Each session will have a video presentation by Bishop Barron of approximately twenty-five minutes with discussion and questions afterwards. The Mass is where heaven and earth come together, literally, in the re-presentation of the saving sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. Please consider joining me for this series. Even if you cannot make all the sessions, I believe you will still find your faith enriched by any participation. Sessions are October 4th & 18th and November 1st, 8th, 15th, & 29th, in Roesch Hall at 11AM and 7PM. All are welcome.
Blessings to you and yours for the week ahead!
Father Chris House