REFLECTIONS TODAY  Jesus’ parable is a metaphor referring to the Jews and the Gentiles in relation to God. The one who readily says yes, but actually does not go, pictures the Jews who are expected to follow God’s will. The one who says no, but later goes, are the Gentiles who are not expected to obey God. What this means is that we often do not mean what we say because we do not put it into practice. Very much like when our parents tell us to do something. We simply say yes so there will be no discussion or argument, but then we end up not doing what we are told to do. The human heart can be rebellious; it wants to direct its own course—only to realize later that only in God can it find its ultimate goal. There is nothing surer than following God’s will. Are we ready to be shaped and formed the way God wants us to?

Gospel • MATTHEW 21:28-32

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.” SOURCE: “366 Days with the Lord 2020,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.