Dear friends,
In this week’s Gospel Jesus tells a well-known parable: a father who asks each of his sons to go out and work in the vineyard. After giving his command, the father expects an answer from them. Not satisfied with mere words, the father desires a real commitment. Initially the first son responds negatively but then repents or has a complete change of heart and goes out to work. The second son acknowledges with lip service his father’s request and gives in, but does not follow through on his promise. The message of the parable is clear: it is not words that matter, but deeds, deeds of conversion, Charity and faith. As we heard, Jesus directs this message to the chief priests and elders of the people of Israel, that is, to the religious experts of his people. At first they say “yes” to God’s will, but their piety becomes routine and God no longer matters to them.
We are a mixture of both of the boys – we, like them say ‘yes’ and ‘no’ respectively and don’t act according to our response. Indeed, we have all sinned and are deprived of the glory of God? (Romans 3:23) and, therefore, in justice deserve the consequence of death. The parable of Jesus reminds us that these inconsistencies can be present in our Christian lives – when we see ourselves as fervent believers, always faithful to our devotions and religious observances, but with little practical expression to show of our following of Christ. St Paul’s exhortations to the Philippians( 2:1-11), provides simple but telling examples of the practical attitudes that true followers of Jesus should have: no competition or petty rivalry, putting the wellbeing of others before our own, being genuinely concerned to assist those around us. And, as always, Paul leads us back to the ultimate pattern of our life as disciples of the Lord – the Son who said ‘Yes’ to the Father, came to work in the God’s vineyard, setting aside his divine glory and making himself the Servant of us all. ‘In our attitudes we must be the same as Christ’. Our self-seeking, our hate, anger, aggression, violence, jealousy, resentments, our greed and avarice… all lead to isolation, loneliness, hostility with others and often to physical and mental stress, breakdowns and wounds which take a long time to heal.
The Good News is that God loves to welcome sinners who repent. He never gives up on us. He is always calling on us to change. God in His mercy offers us forgiveness!! He offers us a second chance. Those who repent and turn to God, even if they have lived a very sinful life, can have life. As Christ emptied himself, we are called to empty ourselves and live for God. Let us say yes to God’s invitation. Let us put our words into actions. To not say; “Lord, Lord!!” but to truly take on Christ’ heart and mind so that we can be Christ to others , and through our common actions together, put into practice the Charity, Love and Mercy Jesus wants us to bring to the world.
By Fr. Kyazze Frank Lwanga.