26th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A - The Yes That Matters & ‘Mercy’

Have you ever said “Yes” to something and then quietly hoped everyone would forget you said it?

“Sure, I’ll help.” “Absolutely, I’ll take care of it.” “Of course, I’ll get around to that.” And then… nothing!

We are all capable of making promises that sound much better coming out of our mouths than they do when it comes time to put them into action. Jesus knows this about us. That is why this Sunday’s Gospel is so wonderfully practical.

A father asks his two sons to go and work in the vineyard. The first says, “No, I won’t,” but later he changes his mind and goes. The second says, “Yes, sir,” but never goes.

Jesus then asks a very simple question: “Which of the two did his father’s will?”

Obviously, the first, and there is something very encouraging about that son. He said no, but he didn't stay there. He changed his mind. He changed his heart. And eventually, he changed his direction. That is something we should never underestimate in our spiritual lives.

Sometimes we imagine that being a good Christian means always getting everything right: saying the right things, praying the right prayers, making the right decisions and never making mistakes. But Jesus tells us something different.

God is not looking for perfect people. He is looking for willing hearts.

The first son reminds us that a bad beginning does not have to mean a bad ending. Perhaps you have said “No” to God at some point in your life. Maybe you avoided something you knew you should do. Maybe you held on to a resentment. Maybe you were reluctant to forgive. Maybe you stopped praying for a while. Maybe God was inviting you in one direction and you stubbornly went in another.

Welcome to the human race!

Here is the beautiful part: God gives us the grace to change our minds. The word ‘conversion’ can sound like something dramatic that happens only to other people. But conversion often happens quietly. It can be as simple as saying: “Lord, I know I haven't handled this well. Help me begin again.” And God can do extraordinary things with a sincere “begin again.”

There is also a warning in the second son. He said all the right words, but words alone were not enough.

We can say, “Lord, I love you,” and then treat people poorly. We can say, “I forgive,” while secretly keeping the score. We can say, “I trust God,” while worrying as though everything depends entirely on us. Faith eventually has to leave our lips and find its way into our lives. The vineyard is not somewhere far away. The vineyard is wherever God has placed us.

It is our home. Our parish. Our friendships. Our workplace. Our neighborhood. It is the person who needs our patience, the person who needs our forgiveness and mercy, the person who needs a little encouragement; sometimes, it is the person who drives us absolutely crazy!

Every day, God says, “Come, work in my vineyard.” And every day we have a choice. Maybe today your answer is a joyful “Yes!” Maybe it is a reluctant “Okay, Lord.” And maybe, if we're being completely honest, it is still “Not today.” But remember the first son. God can work with a changed mind.

So if there is something God has been asking of you, don't worry about the “No” you gave yesterday. Give Him your “Yes” today. Then get up, go to the vineyard, and let your life do the talking.

Lord, show us your mercy and give us hearts humble enough to change, courageous enough to begin again, and generous enough to turn our words into love. Amen.

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In honor of this weekend’s Gospel, we would like to share our latest video.

“Mercy” by Timothy R. Smith is a gentle hymn that asks the Lord to pour His mercy upon us as we place our complete trust in Him. Its simple melody unfolds as a repeating mantra, gradually enriched by layers of choral harmony and descants, creating a powerful atmosphere of repentance, surrender, and confidence in God’s compassion.

On this Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Psalm 25 asks God to remember His mercies, Ezekiel assures us that sinners who turn away from sin will live, and Jesus’ parable of the two sons shows that a genuine change of heart matters more than empty promises. May this song become our sincere prayer for the mercy that changes hearts, restores lives, and teaches us to follow the Father’s will.

Video can be watched by clicking here or by clicking on the thumbnail below.