First reading Zephaniah 3:1-2,9-13
All peoples shall invoke the Lord’s name and serve him
Trouble is coming to the rebellious, the defiled,
the tyrannical city!
She would never listen to the call,
would never learn the lesson;
she has never trusted in the Lord,
never drawn near to her God.
Yes, I will then give the peoples lips that are clean,
so that all may invoke the name of the Lord
and serve him under the same yoke.
From beyond the banks of the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants
will bring me offerings.
When that day comes
you need feel no shame for all the misdeeds
you have committed against me,
for I will remove your proud boasters
from your midst;
and you will cease to strut
on my holy mountain.
In your midst I will leave
a humble and lowly people,
and those who are left in Israel will seek refuge in the name of the Lord.
They will do no wrong,
will tell no lies;
and the perjured tongue will no longer
be found in their mouths.
But they will be able to graze and rest
with no one to disturb them.
Responsorial Psalm 33(34):2-3,6-7,16,18-19,23
This poor man called; the Lord heard him.
I will bless the Lord at all times,
his praise always on my lips;
in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.
The humble shall hear and be glad.
Look towards him and be radiant;
let your faces not be abashed.
This poor man called, the Lord heard him
and rescued him from all his distress.
The Lord turns his face against the wicked
to destroy their remembrance from the earth.
The just call and the Lord hears
and rescues them in all their distress.
The Lord is close to the broken-hearted;
those whose spirit is crushed he will save.
The Lord ransoms the souls of his servants.
Those who hide in him shall not be condemned.
Gospel Matthew 21:28-32
Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you
Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people, ‘What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He went and said to the first, “My boy, you go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not go,” but afterwards thought better of it and went. The man then went and said the same thing to the second who answered, “Certainly, sir,” but did not go. Which of the two did the father’s will?’ ‘The first’ they said. Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you solemnly, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you, a pattern of true righteousness, but you did not believe him, and yet the tax collectors and prostitutes did. Even after seeing that, you refused to think better of it and believe in him.’
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Actions speak louder than words
In today’s gospel, Jesus tells a parable about a father who instructs his two sons to go and work in the vineyard. The first son tells him that he will go, but ultimately does not. The other says, “no” to working in the vineyard, but ends up working there all day. Jesus then asks, “Which of the two did the father’s will?” The answer is obviously the second son. Through this parable, Jesus is making a point to the religious leaders and to us today that actions speak louder than words and good intentions. Sometimes a verbal “yes” can turn into an empty promise, resulting in a “no” in practice.
Today presents a new opportunity for us to commit ourselves to God’s call to work in His vineyard, in His mission field. By placing our lives at the loving service of others, we can truly make a difference in their lives. Let our “yes” be more than just words; may it inspire us to take meaningful actions that reflect our faithful commitment to God and our love for others.
Reflective question:
Do I aspire to live in accordance with God’s purpose for my life?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
