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“The first,” we respond along with the Pharisees.
The answer to Christ’s question seems obvious. The two sons are put in stark contrast with each other: the first says no, but goes and does what his father asked—a stubborn teenager through and through. The second says yes to please his father, but never actually goes.
In the end, it’s the first son who does what is right.
This is an interesting parable for me to hear. I’d like to pretend that I don’t identify with either son, and that when I say something, I mean it. But let’s be honest—that’s just not how it works. We’re fickle beings, us men, and changing our minds is what we do.
And you and I are religious folk. We probably like to think that we do the will of our Father. But whether we once said “no” and eventually changed our minds is somewhat beside the point—or at least, I think that’s what Christ is getting at here.
There are quite a few things that I feel like the Lord has asked me to do—to work in the vineyard. Especially lately, I’ve felt called to start a men’s Bible study at my parish, to be more active in my Knights Council, to develop deeper habits of prayer and spiritual reading, just to name a few.
To some of these things, I’ve told Him, “No. I don’t want to. I’ve got more important things to do.”
But then, eventually, I’ve done them.
To others, I’ve said, “Yes, Lord!”
And then left them undone.
Sometimes I say the right things: “I’ll do that.” “I’ll pray about it.” “I’ll go to the Adoration hour tonight.”
And yet, we never go out into the vineyard.
But there’s something encouraging about this parable. Christ doesn’t give us a final judgment based on what we’ve said so far. The son who said no was still able to change his mind and go.
Whatever you’ve said, whatever you’ve failed to do, whatever “no” you’ve given Him in the past—there’s still time.
So go.
Work the vineyard.
He’s calling.
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