but afterward he repented

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23 Matthew 21:28-32

Matthew 21:29 And he answered, `I will not'; but afterward he repented and went.

We all want to hear people say "Yes I will". But even more we really want them to do what is right in the end. Giving lip service is a popular tactic to win the favour of others. Well, it doesn't work with God. He can see what is in our hearts. Yes, we may not always be ready to face the truth and do what is right, but the question is do we have the desire to do what is right? Will we repent? I think that reflection on our true motives and desires is a worthy exercise. It may lead us to true repentance. The elephant in the living room here is the fact that we need to repent. That we are stained because of original sin. We must admit that we are sinful before we can repent.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to want what is true and righteous. Help me to realize my own sinful nature and to desire true repentance. Then strengthen me to actually do it.

Amen