The sons represent two groups of people. In the
context of the gospel they are sinners who repent, and Israel’s leaders who
refuse the Baptist’s message (even when tax-collectors and harlots do!).
So the son that initially says “no” to his father,
but later thinks better and actually does what the father wants him to do, are
the sinners who repent. The other son who initially says “yes” to his father,
but does not actually do what his father wants, are the chief priests and
elders. They talk a good game, but they do not actually live it out.
All of us for whom our faith is very important need
to be reminded of this teaching of Jesus. It is easy to say “yes” and not
follow through, especially if we get caught up in a sentiment towards God. Then
we might promise all sorts of things; whereas sentiments do not last, our
promises to God do.
Following through on our promises is hard work and we do
not usually have the motivation of warm feelings all the time, yet it is of
utmost importance lest we find that we actually deserve the title hypocrite!
Fr Ian
