September 27

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus poses a simple question to the church elders. Someone in authority asks two people to do something. One says no, but has a change of heart and does it. The other says they will do it, but never does. Who is in the right?

Those listening eagerly respond, “The man who ended up doing as he was asked!” It is the right answer, but it riles up righteous anger in Jesus. Why?

They didn’t even realize the one who they so quickly realized was in the wrong represented them! They had heard John the Baptist and had rejected him.

One the flip side, many prostitutes and corrupt tax collectors had been leading depraved lives, but were open to Christ’s message and changed their ways.

This parable—this one right here—is a direct refutation to anyone who has ever believed their past has any say over their future when it comes to faith. The Sacred Heart of Jesus breaks for anyone who has attempted to carry the weight of this world without his assistance for a single day, but it does not—and never will—mean that He won’t accept their return with arms open wide.

When people say things like “if I stepped inside a church, the roof would cave in” or “lightning would strike me down,” we must tell them that is a lie.

All you really need for proof is another parable—the prodigal son. The father watches for his son every single day until the young man returns home. And he wasn’t standing on the front porch with a shotgun plotting his revenge.

If someone won’t come home to the Church, and they truly don’t want to return, that is on them. But never let them question God’s mercy and love for them.

One final note. There is a flip side to this weekend’s parable. There was a character who said he would do as he was asked and never did it.

Let’s resolve to never count on yesterday’s faithfulness. You might be a model employee for 20 years, but if you lose your mind on the job, you can put it all in jeopardy. The stakes are much higher when it comes to our souls.

Questions? Comments? Email David at dlins@oloj.org.