Zep.3:1-2,9-13/Ps.34:2-3,6-7/Mt. 21:28-32

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells a very simple yet deeply challenging parable. That is the parable of the two sons. Through this story, Jesus addresses the chief priests and elders of the people, but he is also speaking directly to us. The message is clear: i.e entry into the Kingdom of God depends not on what we say, but on how we respond to God’s will in concrete action.

The first son is asked by his father to go and work in the vineyard. His response is blunt and rebellious: “I will not.” His refusal reflects a heart set on self-will. He wants to live life on his own terms, doing what pleases him, what is comfortable, what suits his own desires. He does not want his father who is loving and wise to determine the direction of his life.

At first glance, this son’s behaviour is clearly wrong. His disobedience and defiance deserve condemnation. Yet the story does not end there.

Something happens within him. He reflects. He repents. He changes his mind and then he goes to the vineyard and does his father’s will.

This first son represents those whose actions eventually rise above their words. They may begin life far from God, absorbed in worldly pursuits,preoccupied with success, comfort, possessions, and pleasure. They may neglect their souls and give little attention to God or to eternal things.

Yet, like the first son, they come to see the emptiness of such a life. They recognize the danger of living apart from God, and they turn back. They repent-and in their repentance, they begin to do the Father’s will.

The second son presents a very different picture. When his father asks him to go to the vineyard, he responds politely and respectfully: “I will go, sir.” His words are perfect. His tone is respectful.

His profession of obedience is immediate. Yet his actions betray his words. He never goes. His obedience remains only on his lips, not in his life.

This son represents those who promise much but do little-those who know the language of faith, who speak piously, who appear religious, but fail to live what they profess.

Jesus points directly to the chief priests and elders, who claimed to belong to God and awaited the Messiah, yet rejected him when he came. Meanwhile, tax collectors and sinners-those who initially seemed far from God-believed, repented, and entered the Kingdom.

Jesus’ message is unsettling but hopeful: where we end up matters more than where we start.

God is less concerned with perfect beginnings than with honest conversion. A life that turns back to God, even after rebellion, is more pleasing than a life of empty words and unfulfilled promises.

As we journey through Advent, this Gospel invites us to examine ourselves. Are we content with saying the right things while avoiding the hard work of obedience? Or are we willing, even after failure, to change our minds, turn our hearts back to God, and do his will?

Advent reminds us that God never takes our “no” as the final answer. God waits for us; but not passively. He seeks us out, calls us again and again, and gives us the grace to repent and begin anew. The vineyard is still there. The invitation still stands.

May this Advent season help us to move beyond words to action, beyond profession to performance, and beyond delay to obedience-so that when the Lord comes, he may find us faithfully at work in his vineyard.