Reflection for Tuesday December 13 Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr: Matthew 21:28-32

Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go.  

Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”

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Reflection:

Is there hope of redemption for sinners like us? Yes there is always hope for us for as long as we change our ways. God’s love for us is without limit and it’s always there for us and it’s ours to take anytime we want it.  

Aside from Jesus and the man and his two sons there are others who play an important role in this Sunday’s gospel reading. They are the following: Chief Priest, Elders of the people, Tax collectors, the prostitutes and John the Baptist.  

The chief Priest and the elders of the people are those who are authorities of the faith. They are always in their place of worship but ironically they oftentimes are wanting or lacking in terms of living their faith. Jesus is actually subtly telling the chief Priest and the elders of the people about their faith that lacks life and action.  

The chief Priest and the elders of the people  represents the Son who said, Yes, sir, but did not go to work in the vineyard. They also did not listen to the call of John the Baptist to turn away from their sins and completely repent.  

The tax collectors and the prostitutes were obviously the sinners that repented. They represent the Son who said: “I will not go to the vineyard”, but afterwards changed his mind and went and did his father’s will. They listened to the call of John the Baptist: “Repent and change your ways for the kingdom of God is forthcoming.”  

What is the relevance of the gospel to our lives? We who are all sinners like the tax collectors and prostitutes. We are being called by Jesus to repent from our sinful ways. It’s not anymore John who calls us out to repentance but Jesus Himself.   

Life is so fragile it can end anytime we are alive and well today but we never know if we would still be alive tomorrow. Therefore, we must listen to this clarion call of Jesus while we still have time for this is what He desires for us all: To lead lives according to His will and not according to our selfish and sinful will. – Marino J. Dasmarinas