Let us believe the words of John.

In families where at least two children live side by side, we often see that they grow up in the same circumstances although they have the same parents. Yet, their natures, opinions, and attitudes toward duty are often different. Science – genetics tells us that these are inherited talents, talents, gifts from our ancestors. Usually, we can acquire other equally positive and negative qualities by using our reason and free will.

Jesus used this for his instruction in the Gospel. He pointed to a man who had two sons. By approaching the father’s request to work in the vineyard, we can understand many other spiritual events. The Gospel is directed against that part of the Jewish people who were convinced of their perfection. It was the Pharisees and the leaders of the nation who thought it was enough to say at God’s call, as the son said to the father when he sent him to work in the vineyard, “Yes, I’m coming!” But he didn’t go. The Lord Jesus contrasts this part of the nation, the so-called better-believing people, with those despised. And He predicts to these self-confident Israelites that those despised tax collectors and harlots will precede them into the kingdom of God.

If we think seriously and honestly about ourselves, we will very quickly come to see that this is about us, too. This is an accurate picture of many Christians who respond to their father’s call, “Go work in the vineyard,” with, “I’m coming, Lord!” but then don’t go. Let’s consider and evaluate this well. In the Sacrament of Baptism, we promise to renounce evil, to live as befits children of God in union with God, to do God’s will, and to live according to God’s laws. So we all said: “Yes.”

Let us see, what is the reality? Often an unfortunate one. It happens that many do not tell this answer to God truthfully. They have failed; they have betrayed. We say of God that He is Love. We are convinced of the validity of these words even now because God does not stop caring about us; He calls us back. Some come to their senses, question their consciences, and after the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to which they accede; they want to amend their lives. Then they go to work in the vineyard, and they respond to him with many good resolutions. They have goodwill. But they are weak. They quickly return to the old ruts of their lives. But some lack any charity.

Some have promised God correction and do not take it seriously. Then their words are false and untrue, which is how we understand their whole lives. It happens that God, in His mercy, wants to rouse them from their deadly sleep and speak to them through an event. It may be sickness, misfortune, the death of a neighbor, failure, and so on. Often it is the last call to go to work in His vineyard. What happens is that some see, obey, and begin to live a new life. But many remain deaf, oblivious, to their detriment and destruction.

Our lesson is to strive to be truthful in thought, but above all in action. The man who thinks and judges based on correct principles and lives by them deserves respect. And a faithful Christian believes and rules based on the principles of the Gospel and lives consistently according to those truths. He faithfully and uncompromisingly carries out his baptismal promises at every step; he puts into practice his resolutions, he catches the voice of God in his heart and strives to act upon it. He responds to God’s voice with consent and acts accordingly. And such a Christian is respected by everyone because he can be relied upon. He knows how to be honest with God and with people. He is always as he is. That is why he is pleasing to God and men.

Jesus Christ is the most excellent model for us. Let us turn more often and be interested in his teachings. Then let us also see the pattern in our saints who answered God, “I am coming, Lord,” and indeed, though the road to holiness was hard and long, they persevered. We also have an example in this pre-Christmas season in John the Baptist, who by his life brought sinners, harlots who believed in him, to the right path. But the so-called “godly” did not think—their pity.

Yes, this is best seen in families, as in the little Church. One child believes, and the other leaves. This means for all to step up to help. Not by force, coercion, or command, but by love, the example of life, and especially by persistent prayer. May Our Heavenly Lady help us in this