better son, the elder son who said 'No' to his father's command but
eventually did as he was told, or the younger son who said 'Yes' to the
delight of his father but didn't really do what he was asked to do.
I think it is obvious that it is better to follow the Father's command,
than to say 'yes' but not follow it up with any action. But I think you
would agree with me that it is best if you say 'yes' and follow the
Father's will.
The younger son represents the hypocrites in varying levels; e.g.
leaders in Christian communities but having a second life outside of it,
influential people in media who preach about God's goodness and yet it
is not enough for them to control their temper in front of their
subordinates, maybe even church leaders themselves who succumb to
temptation.
The elder son meanwhile may include those who do not go to church to
attend mass, but they help out in charity foundations like Habitat for
Humanity, or those who live their youth in sin, but 'convert' when the
wrinkles and grey hair are very obvious already.
Well, it is difficult to say 'yes' and immediately put one step inside
the door. One priest says, we should at least make that first step
towards the door, and progress with the second step and so on, with the
ultimate goal of experiencing the inexplicable joy of being by His side.
Because that will happen when we are ready. In the meantime, we should
prepare ourselves and take little baby steps. We were not born knowing
how to walk right away.
The priest told this story about this young college lady who did not
have a religion (her father was a Jew and her mother a Catholic and they
left the decision to her which religion to take) until she asked the
priest to baptize her. The priest asked why Catholicism? The young
lady had a dormitory roommate who had such a great positive disposition
and who she observed would wake up so very early in the morning to go
somewhere. One day she became too curious she followed her roommate to
where she went, and there she was, apparently she did not miss one
single morning mass at 6am even on weekdays and Saturdays. This was one
example of action (her attending mass everyday) - and consequence (her
being of a contagiously joyful nature) - that lead to the evangelization
of the young college lady to the Catholic faith. It was her dormmate's
yes (i.e. commitment) to worshipping God, to listening to His Word, and
to giving of herself (her time, and her contributions to the church),
and her subsequent action that lead to all this.
This is one of the things that this Gospel calls us to.
I remember one other Gospel reading where in Jesus was at Lazarus' home,
and Martha was busy preparing for the food and so on for Jesus and his
company, while Mary chose to be there listening to Jesus' teachings.
Which would you choose to be?
In the Martha and Mary situation, again it would have been best if your
home, your temple, is ready for His coming, so that you may have time to
sit beside Him and listen to his teachings, the Holy Bridegroom.
Sometimes, you may be offered two choices. Sometimes, one is better
than the other. Sometimes, it doesn't matter. Sometimes, choosing both
is best. Whatever situation it is, there is one thing you should
remember when you make up your mind and make your choice - you also Love
God with all your mind, and yes of course, with all your heart, and with
all your strength also.
God bless you.
No comments:
Post a Comment