“A Yes That Becomes Action” Ezk 18:25-28; Phil 2:1-11; Mt 21:28-32 (26 / A)

 

“A Yes That Becomes Action”

 

Ezk 18:25-28; Phil 2:1-11; Mt 21:28-32 (26 / A)

 

“...God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished in the Day of                                                                 Christ Jesus”

 

 

Today’s Gospel presents us with two sons. The father says to the first, “Go and work in the vineyard.” He initially says, “I will not,” but later changes his mind and goes. The second says, “Yes, sir,” but does not go. Jesus asks: “Which of the two did his father’s will?” Israel’s covenant relationship with God involved šāmaʿ—“to hear,” but in Biblical usage hearing often means hearing with the intention of obeying. Genuine listening to God produces action. The fundamental question is not, “Who belongs to God’s people?” but “Who actually does the Father’s will?”  Claiming one’s identity, rights, or religious status does not absolve the duty of obedience, repentance, and responsibility.

 

The Greek word poieō means “to do, to accomplish, to put into practice.” Jesus is reminding us that faith is not merely about what we say, but about what we do. Our words have value only when they become responsible action. The Hebrew understanding of righteousness, ṣĕdāqāh, is not simply being personally “good”; it involves living rightly in relationship with God and with others. Therefore, our relationship with God necessarily has a social dimension. The first son represents someone who initially says “no” but later changes his mind and acts. This is metanoia—a change of mind and heart that leads to a change of life. The second son represents the danger of saying the right things without taking responsibility. Today, the Gospel asks each of us: Are my words consistent with my actions? Do I speak about justice but ignore injustice? Do I defend my own rights but forget the rights of others? Do I demand freedom but avoid responsibility?

 

St. Augustine gives us an excellent reflection on this view. Some people want to live a good life and have already decided to do so. But they are not capable of bearing sufferings even though they are ready to do good. Now it is a part of the Christian’s strength not only to do good works but also to endure evil. Weak people are those who appear zealous in doing good work but are unwilling or unable to endure the suffering. Lovers of the world, however, who are kept from good work by some evil desire, lie sick, and it is this sickness that deprives them of any strength to accomplish good work.

 

Jesus is not rejecting anyone but is challenging those who claim to belong to God and refuse to obey his call. Let us therefore move from words to action, from rights to responsibility, and from intention to commitment. May our “yes” to God become visible in the way we respect human dignity, defend the vulnerable, fulfill our duties, and work for the common good. Ultimately, as Jesus teaches us today, the true “yes” to God is the one that becomes a life of action.

 

“Then you will be free from all impurity and blame on the Day of Christ”.