Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent – Matthew 21:28-32
This Gospel is a continuation of the reading we heard yesterday. Today Jesus presents the chief priests and elders with the parable of the man who had two sons. The father had vineyards. He asked the oldest son to go and work in the vineyards. However, this son absolutely refused to do so. But later on in the day, he decided that he would go and work as his father had requested.
The father also ordered his second son to go and work in the vineyards. This son agreed to do as his father asked. However, after he left his father, he decided he would not go to the vineyard. Nor did he tell his father that he had changed his mind.
Jesus told this parable because he knew that his listeners were trying to trap him. He bluntly tells the elders that tax collectors and prostitutes would get to heaven before they would. Can you imagine their reaction? How dare Jesus tell them that! These were men who were faithful to the temple and to the Jewish customs and regulations!
Do we also “play games with God” at times? Do we ask God a question and hope for a particular answer? When we ask Jesus a question, is it a “trick” question? Or when we ask, do we wait expectantly and listen for God’s response? It is our choice. What will we do today? May we pray for open and listening hearts! God will answer!
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