What a wonderful Gospel reading we have
today to ponder in the midst of Advent. Perhaps
we can identify with both of the sons described in today's Gospel story told by
Jesus at different times during this Advent journey. Sometimes we are like the son who initially
says “no” to his father, but then later goes into the field to work. Other times we can say “yes,” but then never
go out to do the will of the Father, just like the 2nd son. Have we ever told ourselves that we would do
whatever God willed us to do if we could discern his will, only to disobey him
when it comes right down to it? We often
put our own will and our own desires and our own pleasures before the will of
God in our lives, don’t we?
Similarly, the prophet Zephaniah proclaims
woe to the rebellious and tyrannical city that will not turn to God, that will
not put its trust in God. But God tells
the city that it need not be ashamed of its past misdeeds and its
rebellions. God will wipe away clean all
of its sins. God promises to remake that
city. If we believe that God indeed has
the power to do this, what is stopping us from the repentance and conversion we
need in our lives during this holy season of Advent?
May we see the mercy and graces of God
that are alive within us, because they are there if only we would look around
us. God calls us to continually look for
his will in our lives, to discern where he is calling us. As we journey in faith in the midst of the Advent
season, may we trust in God and prepare a place for him in our hearts.
