Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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Today's Word
"Which of the two did his father's will?" - Matthew 21:31 Full readings at USCCB
Real Talk
A dad asks two sons to work in the vineyard. Son one says "no way" and then goes anyway. Son two says "sure, dad" and never shows up. Jesus asks which one actually did what the father wanted, and it's obviously the first one, even though he's the one who said no to his dad's face.
This messes with how most people think about being "good." Son two gave the right answer. He said the polite, respectful thing. But saying it did literally nothing - no work got done, nothing changed. Son one looked disrespectful in the moment, but he's the one who actually delivered.
The real question underneath "am I a good Christian/good person" isn't about what you say you believe or what you say you'll do. It's whether your actions ever catch up to your words. A lot of people are functionally son two - great intentions, said out loud, sincerely even - and then life happens and the vineyard never gets worked. Being sincere when you say yes doesn't count for much if the yes never turns into anything.
Your Challenge
Relational: Think of one thing you told someone you'd do - help them, show up, change something about how you treat them - and never actually followed through on. Do it this week. Not perfectly. Just actually go.
One Prayer
Lord, I say yes a lot easier than I follow through. Help me be more like the son who actually showed up, even if my "yes" was messier getting there. Amen.
You are not alone. Submit your intentions and they'll be carried to Holy Hour this Sunday.
Take to Holy Hour