There are moments in life when we sincerely want to do the right thing. We have good intentions. We promise ourselves, our family, and even God: “I’m going to change. I’m going to pray more. I’m going to forgive. I’m going to be more patient.” And sometimes we really mean it. But then life gets busy. Old habits return. We postpone the change. We tell ourselves, “I’ll do it tomorrow.”
It is easy to say yes to God. The real question is whether our lives show that yes. We say, “Yes, Lord, I believe,” but do we trust Him when life becomes difficult? We say, “Yes, Lord, I forgive,” but do we actually let go of resentment? We say, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you,” but do our choices reflect that commitment?
Perhaps that is why today's Gospel speaks so directly to us. Jesus tells us about a father who asks his two sons to go and work in his vineyard. One says ‘no’, but later changes his mind and goes. The other says ‘yes’, but never goes. And Jesus asks the question that reaches beyond the two sons and straight into our hearts: “Which of the two did his father’s will?” The answer is obvious.
The message is equally clear: Don't just say yes— do it! God does not need another promise from us. He is inviting us to take the next step. Maybe there is someone we need to forgive. Maybe there is a sin we need to stop defending. Maybe there is a relationship we need to repair. Maybe we need to return to Confession. Maybe we need to begin praying again.
The Christian life is not simply about having good intentions. It is allowing God's grace to move us from “I should” to “I will,” and from “I will” to “I did.”
The beautiful thing about the first son is that his first answer was no—but his last answer was yes, expressed through his actions. That means our past does not have to determine our future. If we have failed God, we can return. If we have wandered, we can come home. If we have said “no,” we can still say “yes.” God is not finished with us.
So today, let us take one concrete step. Don't just say, “I will forgive.” Forgive. Don't just say, “I will pray.” Pray. Don't just say, “I will change.” Begin. Don't just say, “Yes, Lord.” Do it! Because at the end of the day, God is not asking us how many good intentions we had. He is asking: “Did you do my will?”
God is good, all the time!
Father Tony Udoh, MSP
Pastor of Holy Family
