8 August 2027 · Syro-Malankara Rite
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““Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.”” Matthew 21:31
A father has two sons. He says to the first, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” He answers, “I will not”; but later he changes his mind and goes. The second answers, “I go, sir”; but he does not go. “Which of the two did the will of his father?” The answer is obvious, and it is uncomfortable. Words are easy; obedience is what counts. Jesus adds that tax collectors and prostitutes, who repented at John's preaching, are going into the kingdom ahead of those who said all the right words.
In the evening Gospel Jesus says: “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand?” Faith is not meant to be hidden. And he tells of seed that a man scatters on the ground; “the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how… first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head.” God makes his kingdom grow; our part is to sow faithfully and to let our light be seen.
Deuteronomy demands honesty in daily business: “You shall have only a full and honest weight; you shall have only a full and honest measure, so that your days may be long in the land.” Faith shows itself in the market, the office and the fields. On Carmel Elijah prays: “Answer me, O LORD, so that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God”; the fire falls, and the people cry: “The LORD indeed is God!” A people that says “yes” to God must also live it.
St James calls us: submit yourselves to God; resist the devil and he will flee from you; draw near to God and he will draw near to you; humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you (James 4:7–10). St Paul tells the Philippians to think about whatever is true, honourable, just, pure, pleasing and commendable, and to do what they have learned (Philippians 4:8–9). That is the son who goes into the vineyard.
Theme: “Not words, but the Father's will.”
Two sons: one refuses but later goes; the other promises but does not go. Elijah on Carmel challenges the people to stop limping between two opinions. God asks for an undivided and honest heart.
“Again, when the wicked turn away from the wickedness they have committed and do what is lawful and right, they shall save their life.” Ezekiel 18:27
““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.”” Matthew 21:31
Apply: Keep one promise to God that you have postponed.
“Elijah then came near to all the people, and said, “How long will you go limping with two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” The people did not answer him a word.” 1 Kings 18:21
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8
Apply: Identify one “Baal” that competes with God in your life and renounce it.
“You shall have only a full and honest weight; you shall have only a full and honest measure, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 25:15
“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8
Apply: Correct one dishonest practice in your work or home, however small.
God looks for sons and daughters who do his will with an undivided, honest heart.
Let our yes to God be a real yes.
Take-home resolution: Examine your conscience each night this week on honesty in word and deed.
Dear brothers and sisters, a father had two sons. He asked the first to work in his vineyard; the son said “No,” but later changed his mind and went. He asked the second; the son said “Yes, sir,” but did not go. Jesus asks: which one did the father's will? We all know the answer. And we all know which son we often resemble.
How often we say “yes” to God: at our Baptism, in our marriage vows, at our ordination or profession, every time we say “Amen” in the Qurbono. And how often that yes stays on our lips. Jesus is not impressed by words. But there is great hope here too: the son who first said “no” could still change his mind. It is never too late to go into the vineyard.
In the evening Gospel Jesus says a lamp is put on a lampstand, not under a basket. Our faith must be seen, not in show, but in honest living. Deuteronomy says: “You shall have only a full and honest weight.” In our shops, offices and farms, honest measures preach the Gospel better than words.
St James says: draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Next Sunday we celebrate the Shunoyo of our Mother, who said “Let it be to me according to your word” and lived it to the end. This week, take one “no” you have been saying to God and turn it into “yes”. Amen.
Children, a father asked two sons to help him. The first said “No!” but then he went and helped. The second said “Yes!” but didn't go.
Which son made the father happy? Yes, the one who actually helped!
When mum or dad asks you to help, don't just say “yes”, do it! That's how we obey God too.
Father, you call us to work in your vineyard today. Forgive our empty promises and turn our refusals into obedience. Make us honest in every measure, let our faith shine like a lamp on its stand, and draw us near to you as you draw near to us. Amen.