Jesus continuously invites His disciples to enter His Kingdom through the use of parables. In doing this, Jesus asks for a radical choice which involves seeking the Kingdom through the “giving of everything.” Words are not enough. Deeds are required as the disciple follows Jesus in Gospel living through loving and genuine service to God’s people.
The parable in this weekend’s Gospel is that of two sons being sent by their father to work in the vineyard. One goes to do the work assigned and one does not follow through. The dichotomy is between those who say but do not do and those who do not say but eventually make the radical choice to do the right and moral action required.
The right choice involves respect, responsibility, reverence, integrity and sincerity. These are the true qualities of a close disciple of Jesus, Savior, Friend and Redeemer. In addition, we must carefully and deliberately refrain from judgment about the motives which people have. Judgement is left only to God.
Let us accept the challenge of this weekend’s teaching by Jesus “for the ties which unite the faithful together are stronger than those which separate them, freedom in what is doubtful and charity in everything.” (Gaudium et Spes, 92)
Sister Diane Marie Corrado, CSFN
