SUNDAY, TWENTY SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Ez 18: 25-28; Ps 25: 4-9; Phil 2: 1-11; Mt 21: 28-32
WHEN A HEART TURNS BACK TO GOD
Many people believe that once a person has failed, there is no hope left. They think that one mistake defines a whole life. Sometimes we also judge others in the same way. We remember their past more than their present. But today’s first reading from Ezekiel 18:25–28 gives us a different picture of God. God is not interested in condemning people. He is interested in changing hearts. He always gives a person another chance. The people of Israel complained that God was not fair. They thought God judged them harshly. But God answered them with a simple question. Is God unfair, or are people walking on the wrong path? God reminds them that every person is responsible for his or her own choices. A good person can choose to turn away from goodness. A sinner can also choose to leave sin behind and return to God. What matters is the direction of the heart today. This message is full of hope. Our past does not have to control our future. God never closes the door to repentance. He waits patiently for us. He rejoices when even one sinner comes back. This shows us the greatness of God’s mercy.
The Gospel (Mt 21:28–32) gives us a practical example of this truth. Jesus tells the story of two sons. The first son refuses to work in the vineyard. Later he changes his mind and goes to work. The second son politely says yes, but he never goes. Jesus teaches that actions speak louder than words. God is pleased not by beautiful promises alone but by faithful obedience. The first son reminds us of many people who have made mistakes but later changed their lives. Tax collectors and sinners listened to John the Baptist. They accepted God’s call. They repented. Their past did not stop them from becoming new people. The religious leaders, however, knew the right words. Yet many refused to change their hearts. They appeared holy, but they did not respond to God’s invitation. This Gospel also invites us to examine ourselves. How often do we promise God many things? We promise to pray every day. We promise to forgive someone. We promise to help those in need. But many a time, those promises remain only as words. God is not looking for perfect people. He is looking for honest people. He wants people who are ready to change and to follow His will.
St. Augustine once said that God who created us without us, will not save us without us. God gives grace freely. Yet He respects our freedom. We must respond. We must choose every day to walk with Him. Conversion is not only one moment. It is a daily decision. Our daily life gives us many opportunities to live this message. A husband who begins to care for his family after years of neglect is living this Gospel. A student who decides to stop cheating and study honestly is turning back to God. A young person who leaves harmful habits and begins to pray is choosing the right path. A Christian who forgives an old wound is saying “yes” to God through action. These small decisions please God more than empty words. Over its history, the Church has very many times reminded us that God never grows tired of forgiving us. It is we who grow tired of asking for forgiveness. This is an encouraging thought. No matter how far we have gone, God is always ready to welcome us back. We only need the courage to take the first step.
Today’s readings invite us to look into our own hearts. Am I like the second son, saying the right things but failing to act? Or am I ready to become like the first son, who had the humility to change? True discipleship is not about appearing good before others. It is about allowing God to transform our hearts. Let us ask the Lord for the grace of a humble and faithful heart. May we never lose hope because of our failures or judge others by their past mistakes. Instead, let us trust completely in God’s endless mercy and respond generously to His call through our daily actions. Then our “yes” will not remain only on our lips but will be clearly evident in the way we live.
Response: Remember your compassion, O Lord!
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