He changed his mind
GOSPEL: MT 21:28-32 JESUS said to the chief priests and 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.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but a erwards 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.”
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In the First Reading, the people of Israel complain to Ezekiel that God’s ways are unfair because Ezekiel prophesies that the house of Israel will be exiled to Babylon, and that God will allow the destruction of their city and the Temple. The prophet argues that the Israelites are themselves responsible for the punishment that will befall upon them because they have acted like a promiscuous woman, rebellious and violent, more sinful than Sodom. Later, the Judahites will reform and change their ways because of the prophet’s preaching; and the Lord will create a new Israel, enlivened by a new heart and imbued with a new spirit (cf Ez 40-48).
Then the Lord will recreate the land, restore the Temple, and establish a new covenant – “for the sake of his name and promise” – because he is the Lord. God’s way of righteousness is strange; God’s judgment scrutinizes man’s heart as well as man’s actions. God’s verdict balances justice and repentance. God gives weight to repentance and change of heart, and faithfulness to the covenant. When the upright man renounces his integrity, he dies. When the sinner turns away from sin to become law-abiding and honest, he deserves to live (cf vv 26-27).
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2020,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 8957328; E-mail: books@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.