Today or Tomorrow?
Sometimes when we get home from work we are so tired that we don’t feel like doing anything at all, yet there is so much to do around the house. We might find ourselves uttering the phrase, “I’ll do it tomorrow.” And as the days go by, we keep repeating, “Tomorrow, I’ll do it tomorrow.” Perhaps this was especially common back when we still lived with our parents. When they asked us to do our chores, some of us would obey and others wouldn’t.
Today’s Gospel reading tells the story of two sons and their father. “‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards 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.” Here, the second son lies to his father, claiming he will go work in the vineyard, whereas the first son, despite his initial reluctance to go, ultimately ends up going.
We may possess extensive knowledge of the Bible and the Commandments; we may attend Mass regularly and have read many books; yet we must always put what we know into practice, because our actions serve as an example to others. One illustration of this can be seen during political election campaigns. Some candidates are gifted orators who manage to sway the crowds, but once they have achieved their objective, they forget everything they promised.
There are moments in life when our actions fail to align with the lessons we have learned, and we commit acts of injustice. When this occurs, we must possess the humility to acknowledge our mistakes. We can take time each day to reflect upon our actions, and if someone tells us that we have hurt them, we must find the strength to offer an apology.
The first reading states that when a sinner “turns from the wickedness he has committed,
and does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life; since he has turned away from all the sins that he has committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.” This offers us hope that we can be saved from sin and return to the path of righteousness. By going to Confession, our souls are cleansed of sin, our consciences are set at ease, and our communion with God is restored once again.
Despite our mistakes, we have a perfect Father that is always patient with us and always awaits us with open arms. Do not put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
— Felix Urcia
Reflection provided by diocesan.com. Reprinted with permission.