Tuesday 17 December 2024

Today is Tuesday the 17th of December in the 3rd week of Advent. Juliano Ravanello sings Veni Veni Emmanuel: ‘O come, O come Emmanuel’. Veni, veni Emmanuel! Captivum solve Israel! Qui gemit in exilio, Privatus Dei Filio. Gaude, gaude, Emmanuel nascetur pro te, Israel. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 21:28-32 ‘What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, “I go, sir”; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax-collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him. In this passage, Jesus tells the parable of two sons. A father asks both sons to work in his vineyard. The first son initially refuses but later changes his mind and goes to work. A simple tale that easily resonates with many of us. Imagine being one of those listening to the parable. Notice the emotions and expressions of those around you. Nodding heads and raised eyebrows, perhaps? How about your response? What do you feel as you listen to Jesus' words? Advent, a season of anticipation and repentance, asks us to reflect on our own faith lives. Where do you see yourself in this moment? Are there times where you’ve been the first son—resistant to God’s call, but now feel called to change? Or perhaps you resonate more with the second son—with faith as an ideal but hard to put into action? As you listen to the passage again, reflect for a moment on the father in the parable. Consider his patience, his lack of anger, and his continued invitation to both his children to participate in the work of the vineyard and respond to His call. What actions can you take this Advent to more fully live out your faith? End this reflection entering into the presence of our loving Father, and with a prayer asking for the grace to respond to God’s call, with a heart that turns toward God and desires to act on His will. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus