A Yes That Converts the Heart

Gospel Reflection for Tuesday, Dec. 16th 2025 - Matthew 21: 28-32

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks directly to the chief priests and elders, those who were entrusted with spiritual authority and outward fidelity to the Law. He offers them a parable that is deceptively simple: two sons, one father, one vineyard. One son refuses outright the request of his father, but later changes his mind. The other son agrees immediately but then never follows through.

At first glance, the lesson appears straightforward. Obedience matters more than words. Doing the Father’s will, even delayed, is better than promising obedience and then failing to act.

And yet, as Jesus often does, the parable goes deeper than what appears on the surface.

The heart of what Jesus is saying here is not merely about delayed obedience, but of the danger of performative faith. Of saying the right things, occupying the right places, and appearing righteous while remaining unmoved by conversion.

Jesus makes this point unmistakable. Tax collectors and prostitutes — those whose lives visibly contradicted God’s law — are entering the Kingdome of God ahead of the religious authorities. Not because their sins were overlooked, but because they believed John’s call to repentance and allowed themselves to be transformed.

And here, Christ reveals something essential about the mercy of God. God’s mercy is not hindered by a sinful past. Those who knew they were in need of mercy were open to receiving it but those who believed themselves already righteous saw no reason to repent.

This is not a condemnation of religious practice, authority or fidelity. It is a warning against confusing external obedience with interior conversion. The priests and elders had not rejected God outright; they had simply refused to be changed by Him.

In this Third Week of Advent, the Gospel invites a necessary examination of conscience. Advent is not a season for perfect readiness, but for honest waiting. It asks whether our “yes” to God is merely verbal, or whether it is shaping our lives in real ways. It asks whether we allow ourselves to be called to repentance, or whether we remain insulated by appearances.

So friends, the vineyard is before us. The Father is calling, extending mercy. Will we choose to fully embrace His call in our lives or just appear to do so?

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.”