At some point in our lives, we have all heard the phrase, “don’t do as I do, do as I say.” We recognize these words as coming from someone who is arrogant, who knows what the right thing is to do, and yet is unwilling to do it. We all know and understand that it is insufficient to just speak words, no matter how wise or noble, or even well intentioned. At the end of the day, we judge the quality of a person not simply by their words, since these can come so easily, but primarily on what the person does - the results of those words put into action.
In our Gospel reading from Matthew Jesus presents two sons in his story. The one who first rejected the request of his father but then would change his mind and do as his father asked, and the one who spoke all the right words but would ignore the request to go out and work in the vineyard.
On first blush the immediate meaning of this story is very clear – that we are to respond to God our father, not just with our “yes,” but with our actions. This is simple to understand – we are to follow the ten commandments and live the beatitudes. We are to remain obedient to the church that Jesus established and perform the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.But there is more to this story for us to hear. This is not just a call to obedience and action; it is a call to repentance and reconciliation. It is a call to soften our prideful hearts. If we read the full chapter of Matthew, we know that this episode comes when Jesus has already entered Jerusalem and the confrontation with Chief Priests and Elders has begun. The anguished journey to the cross has started. Jesus has already cleansed the temple overturning the money changers tables, and the chief priests and elders have confronted Jesus and questioned his authority. Jesus responds with the story we just heard. In their stubbornness, arrogance, and self-centeredness the Chief Priests and Elders failed to recognize the monumental and pivotal moment in which they were living. The moment that they themselves awaited with devout eagerness. For in the broad sweep of history they were waiting for the Messiah, the future savior, a great warrior and liberator, the anointed one of God. They were waiting for a healing and a reconciliation with the God of the old covenant for themselves and for their nation. A reconciliation because the covenant marriage between God and his people had been despoiled by Israel’s own rebellion, unfaithfulness, adultery and moral separation. All eyes and hopes were on the messiah. This is what the prophets pointed to. And now the last of the prophets, John the Baptist, was heralding the arrival of this long-awaited moment and those best placed to recognize it were too stubborn and threatened to see it, while the tax collectors and prostitutes were stirred to respond to this call for repentance and reconciliation.
Pride is a stealthy opponent whether two thousand years ago or today. How difficult it is to sometimes take back our words, to admit what we have said or done was wrong or even sinful. Pride is a great shield we hold up, or a high wall we build that prevents the work of repentance. Pride stifles the joy found only in humility. It was pride that prevented the chief priests and elders from participating in God’s providential plan as co-workers in his vineyard. Jesus began his own earthly ministry by proclaiming, “The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news” (Mark 1:14-15.) Repent, turn back, soften the proud heart. We are to do the work that God has called each of us to do and pride can be the great preventor. This work is made manifest in a myriad of ways, and it must be made manifest. For as one writer would pen long ago, “Christian sonship makes Christian service imperative.”
So where are we in this story? The son who said no but then went about the father's business, as the tax collectors and prostitutes would do. Or the son who spoke sweet words but remained unmoved, proud, taken up with his own wants and needs, activities and distractions.
Tomorrow is the memorial of the Guardian Angels. Each of us is given a spirit of guidance, council, protection, and love. What better friend is there to ask for the strength and guidance needed to be the disciple that God calls us to be and helps us to become. With the help of our guardian angel, we will continue along our path of sanctification – not just saying what Jesus said but also doing what Jesus did and continues to do through each one of us.
Deacon Peter, Arlington, Massachusetts
September 30, 2023
Ezekiel 18:25-28, Psalm 25:4-9, Philippians 2:1-11 (or 2:1-5), Matthew 21:28-32
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