THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Tuesday of third week in Advent, 2021

Zeph 3:1-2, 9-13

Ps 34

Matt 21:28-32

St. John of the Cross 

We value people who keep their word to us. We appreciate those who are true to the promises that they make to us. The Lord also appreciates our efforts to be true to the promises we make to him. 

In the parable Jesus speaks in the gospel reading this morning, one of the sons of the father did not keep the promise he made to him. He promised to work in the vineyard but did not. He was not a man of his word. The other son went in the opposite direction; he initially said no but then thought better of it and did what was asked of him. We probably appreciate that quality in people too, the capacity to reflect on an initial decision and to have a change of mind, a change of heart, for the better. 

The Lord appreciates that same quality in us, the openness to a change of mind and heart for the better. When the Lord calls and we say no, he does not take that initial refusal as definitive but is ready to wait on our change of mind and heart. The Lord gives us time to think better of our initial response to him. Having moved from a no to a yes, he looks to us to be faithful to our yes. He looks to us to keep our word, to allow our promise to him to shape what we do, how we live.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, change my heart that I may only desire that which is pleasing to you. Amen

+Remain blessed