The Right Attitude ~ Reflection on the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ by Phyllis Booth

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ez 18:25-28
Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14
Phil 2:1-11
Mt 21:28-32

The Gospel story today illustrates a choice we face every day in our dealings with family, friends or co-workers. We are asked or commanded to do a task or favor. Our response can be either of the choices given by the sons in Matthew 18:28-32.

The first son refused to work in the vineyard as soon as he was told to go. The second son readily said, "yes, I'll go"; but he didn't.

Let's take a moment and examine several possible reasons each son reacted the way they did. The first son may have had a prior engagement, might have been on his phone texting or talking, felt ill, tired, or that the vineyard wasn't the work he wanted in life. The second son gave the answer he thought his father wanted to hear. He had money to spend, a smart phone, an Ipad, a car and felt the hired hands or his brother could take care of the vineyard.

Why did the father ask his sons to go into the vineyard to work? Had the father trained his sons to help with the work? Was he testing the sons to see who deserved the property or could take over running the business? We don't know. The story line doesn't speak to this issue.

Although the father's reason isn't clear, what are the sons doing when they act in this manner? They are straining the relationship with the family members. These actions cause hard feelings, heartaches, distrust and loss of faith in the person.

The first son redeemed himself by changing his mind and going into the vineyard. The second son may have apologized for his actions. We don't know.

When we act this way, we need to mend our relationships by seeking forgiveness, going to Confession, seeking God's grace through prayer or making a novena, remembering we are our brother's / sister's keeper so we can receive the grace Ezekiel related to the Israelites: "by turning from wickedness a wicked person shall preserve his life." (Ez 18:25-28)


~ Image: "Two Sons, Davis Collection"