First Reading - Zephaniah 3:1-2,9-13
Gospel - Matthew 21:28-32
In our walk with God, one of the greatest dangers we face is not open rebellion, but quiet resistance. It is possible to speak the right words, to appear faithful on the outside, and yet remain unchanged within. Today’s readings confront us with this uncomfortable truth and invite us to rediscover what genuine obedience and true conversion really mean.
In the first reading from Zephaniah, the prophet speaks words of judgment against a rebellious city. This people refuse to listen, refuse correction, and refuse to trust in the Lord. Their problem is not ignorance, but stubbornness. Yet the reading does not end in despair. God promises to purify the lips of the peoples and to form a humble and lowly remnant who will seek refuge in Him. This remnant will no longer rely on pride or deceit, but will live in trust and simplicity. God’s justice, therefore, is not about destruction, but about renewal through humility.
The Gospel continues this theme through the parable of the two sons. One son says no to his father but later changes his mind and does the father’s will. The other says yes but never acts. Jesus makes it clear that obedience is not measured by words, but by action. It is repentance, not appearance, that opens the way to God’s Kingdom. This is why tax collectors and prostitutes, those who were willing to change, enter the Kingdom ahead of those who claimed religious correctness but refused conversion.
Dear friends, it is easy to say yes to God in prayer, in church, or in public, while quietly resisting Him in daily life. God is not impressed by polite answers or outward religiosity. He looks for hearts that are willing to change, to listen, and to act.
At the same time, today’s message is deeply hopeful. God does not reject those who have failed or said no in the past. What matters is the willingness to turn back. True repentance is always possible. The humble remnant in Zephaniah and the repentant son in the Gospel remind us that God’s mercy is greater than our mistakes.
Today, God invites us to move beyond empty words and into living obedience. He calls us to trust Him enough to change direction when needed, to act on His word, and to live with integrity. Let us ask for the grace to be honest before God, humble in heart, and faithful in action.
May our lives say yes to God not only with our lips, but with our choices, so that we may truly belong to the Kingdom He is building among us.
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