Say "Yes" vs. Do "Yes"

In today's Gospel Jesus challenges his religious contemporaries, especially the chief priests and elders of the people, to look closely into their hearts to see if their "yes" to God, who has called them to work in his vineyard, truly has substance. Or, are they like the son in the Gospel parable who said "yes" but did not follow through. They are not to simply go through the motions, enjoying the perks associated with their positions and titles, while not truly living in accord with the call they have received.

Throughout our faith journey we are asked to say "yes" to God’s call in a variety of ways. At the baptism of a child the parents say "yes" to accepting the responsibility of raising their child in the faith. On the their wedding day, a bride and groom publically say "yes" to the Lord who calls them to love and honor each other all the days of their lives. As a people who bear the name "Christian" we say "yes" to the call to conduct ourselves in Christ-like fashion in every aspect of our life. When you have said "yes" to the Lord in these and at other times, has your "yes" had substance and depth?

Look in the mirror and ask yourself if the person whose face you see is one who is following through on promises made to God. Ultimately Jesus wants to know: "Does your 'yes' to me truly mean 'yes'?"

Fr. John Klein, Pastor