Sunday, September 25, 2011

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

This seems to be the theme for this Sunday's gospel reading.

Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people:
"What is your opinion?  A man has two sons.  He came to the first and said, "Son, go out and work in the vineyard today."  He said in reply, "I will not," but afterwards 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 (the Baptist) 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."  

Matthew 21:28-32

The chief priests and elders held a high opinion of themselves, proud yet hypocritical.  The tax collectors and prostitutes were considered on one of the lowest rungs of society at that time.  That can still be true to this day.  The writer of this gospel Matthew was a tax collector before becoming one of the apostles, and Mary Magdalene was a prostitute before she became one of  the followers of Jesus.  Both achieved sainthood in the eyes of His Church.  Just as Jesus taught....He came for the sinners, the lost lambs.  Also, He came not to judge them, but to save them.  True repentance is the key, then mercy and forgiveness are yours. 

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