Change Of Heart

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “What is your opinion?  A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he 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 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)

A change of heart, a change of ways is always welcomed.  Better late to follow Jesus than never is one way to understand this Gospel reading.  We may say “no” at first, but later realize that “yes” is a better answer.  “Yes” to God is the best answer.  

Our reading is about John the Baptist and those who said “no” to him.  Jesus needs us to go out and work in his vineyard today and every day. Will we go?  We must carefully consider our answers for if we say “yes,” but we renege, tax collectors and prostitutes go before us to enter the Kingdom of God, according to Matthew.  We must honor our oaths – our commitments – otherwise, the vineyard bears no fruit.  

Deacon David Pierce