GOSPEL
Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.
Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people, ‘What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He went and said to the first, “My boy, you go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not go”, but afterwards thought better of it and went. The man went and said the same thing to the second who answered, “Certainly, Sir”, but did not go. Which of the two did the father’s will?’
‘The first,’ they said.
Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you solemnly, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you, a pattern of true righteousness, but you did not believe him, and yet the tax collectors and prostitutes did. Even after seeing that, you refused to think better of it and believe in him.’
(Matthew 21:28–32)
DID YOU KNOW?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
- The ‘chief priests and elders’ are the leaders of the Jewish religious community. They were the ones with training and were learned in the Scriptures. They should have known and recognised what is from God, but they are like the son who says ‘yes’ and fails to carry out God’s will.
- Prostitutes and tax collectors are often bracketed together because both were considered ‘sinners’—prostitutes for their sexual behaviour, and tax collectors because they cooperated with the Roman authorities and cheated their own people.
EXPLORING THE WORD
A great deal has happened since last week’s gospel reading in the lectionary. Jesus is now in Jerusalem. He has entered the city (Matthew 21:1–11) and has taken possession of the temple, driving out those who corrupt his Father’s house (Matthew 21:12–17). The crisis point of Jesus’ ministry has arrived, and he will enter into conflict with the established religious authorities.
The point of this text is that it is not the ‘conventionally religious’—those who mouth all the right words and go through the rituals—who will enter the kingdom. Instead it is the ones who, by their actions, carry out God’s will and become the sons and daughters of God.
John the Baptist, like Jesus himself, not only preached righteousness; he lived it. Jesus describes him as ‘a pattern of true righteousness’ (Matthew 21:32), and it was the broken people, the tax collectors and prostitutes, who accepted what he had to bring. They believed in him, repented and experienced a change of heart and life.
- Are there leaders in our society who should recognise what is right but do not?
- Are there leaders in our society who pay lip service to the truth but fail to act on it?
- At this point in your journey, what do you think is God’s will for you?
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
- Have you ever failed to recognise the truth of a situation?
- Have you ever said you were going to do something but then neglected to do it? How did you feel about breaking the promise?
- Share stories of times when you have said ‘yes’ to something without the intention of actually doing it. Or of a time you felt pressured to agree to something when you wanted to say ‘no’. Or of failing to do something when you knew you should act.
- Pray this little prayer often this week:
When our words say ‘yes’ but our actions say ‘no’,
forgive us Lord.
When our words say ‘no’ but our actions say ‘yes’,
encourage us Lord,
so that our response to you might be perfect in word
and deed.
SHARING THE TRADITION
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
Continue the discussion begun last week about people who came to faith in later life. This week try to emphasise the conversion experience they had. Include others, like Jonah or Moses, who initially said ‘no’ but changed their minds and acted as God willed. What was the cost of this commitment?
You could give more recent examples of people who experienced conversion moments, like Thomas Merton, Dorothy Day or St Oscar Romero. Try to find extracts of the writings of these people.
- Are there members of your own community who would be willing to speak of their own change of heart?
- Mary the mother of Jesus is one perfect example of someone who said ‘yes’ to God in both word and deed. She too is ‘a pattern of true righteousness’. Using Scripture as a guide, you could talk of the model of discipleship offered by Mary.
LIVING THE WORD
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
- Who are the people in your life who inspire you because of the consistency of their vision and action?
- Sometimes it is the simple people who inspire us the most. How might you emulate their approach? Are there ways you can be an inspiration for others? Are there ways you can publicly witness to saying ‘yes’ or act for justice this week?
- Each night this week, reflect on your day. What were the ‘no’ moments? What were the ‘yes’ moments? What ‘no’ of today might you make into a ‘yes’ tomorrow?
- Words are one thing but deeds are another. In the long run, it is deeds that count more. ‘Actions speak louder than words.’ More importantly, this little story tells us that change is possible, even after a negative decision. We have the ability to have second thoughts and respond generously; we can decide to do the right thing. Sometimes, it is those who are not expected to do the right thing who surprise us!
- If you spoke about the mother of Jesus and her response, you could use an icon or image of Mary as a focus for prayer. You could pray the Magnificat together. Pray for each other in your journey to discipleship. A suitable song could be ‘I say “yes”, my Lord’ (GA 445). Conclude with the blessing in the RCIA at §97I.