Mt 21,28-32 – Feria proper of 16 December
A man has two sons from whom he asks something: one says “I don’t feel like it”, but then regrets it and does it; the other says “Yes, sir”, but doesn’t move a step. It is one of the simplest and at the same time pages more disarming than the Gospela parable that puts us before a truth that we would often prefer to avoid: before God, It doesn’t matter what we saybut what we choose.
Jesus does not condemn the son he initially rejects. Ultimately he is honest, he doesn’t hide his effort, he doesn’t play a part. But something inside him changes at a certain point, perhaps because he feels that good does not always arise from enthusiasm, but from loyalty to what is worth. And then he gets up and goes. Good often begins just like this: one step after another, even without emotions, even without desire. The other son, however, appears perfect: he responds in the right way, he says what is expected of him. But his yes is empty, it is a form of hypocrisy. It is the risk of a faith of words, a faith that works as long as it asks for nothing, as long as it remains an idea and does not become flesh.
Jesus is direct: tax collectors and prostitutes pass you ahead into the Kingdom. Not because they are better, but because they are not afraid to recognize their own truth. They, unlike the leaders of the people, have nothing to defend: when they encounter the light, they follow it. When they listen to John, they are truly converted. They are not satisfied with a religious appearance. Those who start off badly can sometimes get there well if they allow themselves to be touched by God. And those who start off well can sometimes get lost if they live only by image.
God does not look for impeccable children, look for children who let themselves be reached. And his Kingdom is not for the best, but for those who have the courage to let their hearts change, not their clothes. His kingdom is for those who do and not for those who say.
Tuesday 16 December 2025 – (Feria proper of 16 December)
