Reflection for December 13
Well, the chief priests and elders walked right into that one. But what can we take out of this parable? In my mind, there are two messages that Jesus is trying to communicate to those present and subsequently us.
The first part of the parable can easily be interpreted that to be followers of Christ we must act accordingly. You know the old saying “actions speak louder than words.” Jesus is more or less calling out the chief priests and elders. They represent the second son, and they claim to be spiritual leaders and worthy of God’s favor. However, when the time came to embrace the ministry of Jesus, they failed to accept it, they “did not go.”
In the second part of this parable, Jesus is explaining to the chief priest and elders that the sinners, the tax collectors, and prostitutes, will now enter into the kingdom of God before them. The sinners have repented and are now living their lives in accordance with Jesus’ teachings. To me, this is the important part of this gospel. We are all sinners, but Jesus’ message is always clear, that we should seek forgiveness and live our lives according to the scriptures and his teachings.
Regardless of where you are on your faith journey, I think we can all agree on one thing. We want to be that first son. And even if we are not yet, this parable reminds us that there is always time to change our ways.
Eric Melanson
Holy Family Staff