Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:
“What is your opinion?
A man had two sons.
He came to the first and said,
‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’
The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’
but afterwards he changed his mind and went.
The man came to the other son and gave the same order.
He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go.
Which of the two did his father’s will?” – Mt 21:28-32
Jesus challenges the chief priests and elders to find God’s will in the actions, not the words of sons in His parable. This passage is one of many of Jesus’s teachings that demonstrate the dissonance we experience as we battle with what we know is right in our hearts, with our egos, pride and desires. For the chief priests, Jesus’s lesson must have been very shocking, because they likely felt that their actions were consistent with God’s will. However, God was literally in front of them, and they did not know Him. They were unable to discern Him or His will despite their virtuous acts.
God is in front of us, around us and with us at all times. His works of creation fill our days. Yet, He is challenging us, just like the chief priests, to recognize Him, to listen to Him and to discern His will.
Most Gracious and Loving God, Help me see You clearly, as I rise in the radiance of Your morning, as I work in the bounty of Your Day, as I rest, under the cosmic vastness of a quiet night. Keep me from running from You, and guide me to seek You, my sweet Lord, my refuge, and my strength.
Wendy Kessler