Sep 27, 2020 - 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

(Ez 18:25-28; Phil 2:1-11; Mt 21:28-32)

In the Gospel passage this week, Jesus had been preaching and teaching in the Temple when the chief priests and elders began questioning his authority. In response, Jesus tells them about two sons who are asked to work in their father’s vineyard. For us to fully understand what he was saying, we need to realize that whenever a vineyard appears in the Old Testament, it is an image of Israel. So Jesus is really challenging his audience to look at how they, as the leaders, have been “tending” the people. Have they been saying one thing and doing another? Have they been like the second son, talking respectfully and lovingly to God, but then acting willfully and arrogantly? Or have they been like the first son, who rebels in words but then repents and does the father’s will?

The Gospel prompts this question we can ask of ourselves: Are our actions speaking louder than our words? However, Jesus doesn’t just leave it at that. He always goes beyond convicting us of our faults to invite us to repentance and humility. The entire message of the Gospel is that the mercy of God is always available, but God cannot forgive an unrepentant heart. When we are locked in willful pride, we are unable to repent. But when we recognize our sinfulness, then God can do great things for and through us. However, it’s not enough for us to just give lip service to repentance. We actually have to become repentant. We have to act, not just talk.

• We’ve all heard the saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” What are some ways that you’ve experienced the truth of this statement?
• Jesus says that tax collectors and prostitutes will enter the kingdom of heaven before some of those who are listening to him. What is your reaction to this statement? What does it challenge you to do?
• Consider a time when you said “yes” to God but did not follow through. How did you feel and did you do anything about it?
• Consider a time when you initially refused to say “yes" but then followed through with the action. What caused you to change your mind and what feelings did you experience?