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Today, we are confronted by the parable of the two sons asked to work in the vineyard. One son hesitated; the other lied. Jesus asks, “Which of the two did his father’s will?” The correct answer: neither son is the model to follow! Let’s face it, in our own faith lives we often hesitate to do what is right. And perhaps worse, we can all admit to pledging to do the right thing and yet failing to do so. Even the great saint (and sinner) Augustine wrote, “Late have I loved thee, my Lord.”
But let’s also move from an individualistic to a collective reading of this text. Has our faith community hesitated to foster justice and reconciliation with others?
Today, we are asked to recognize that words alone are not what is important. Words lose meaning when our actions contradict them. Our action in the world is what is definitional of our character and of our real faith. Fortunately, we know that it is not too late to respond to Jesus. It is never past time to listen, to embrace conversion, and act in response to God’s loving (but oh, so challenging!) invitation.