September 28, 2008

"Love is an action, never simply a feeling." --bell hooks

This week's gospel reminded me of my grandmother's sister. I remember one thing she said many years ago. "IF we get to heaven, I think we'll be surprised at who is there and who isn't."

That is the lesson from another of Matthew's parables this week. The one son said "no," but then changed his mind and obeyed his father. The other said, "Yes" but did not follow through. Jesus is challenging the Jewish leaders who said "Yes" to God but were not living it. Those who had said "No" --the tax collectors and prosititutes- but then changed when they met Jesus, will be entering the kingdom first.

All through our lives we make decisions that point us either toward God or away from God. When we say "Yes" we also have to follow through. Many people speak a good message but don't live it. Others say little but quietly do for others. IF we listen to the Spirit, we will know what decision to make. We have to resist the temptation to blame others or go along with our culture in choosing to do good or not. Jesus is our model, and He cares more about which direction we are headed now than in our past deeds.

To be his follower, we need to say "Yes" to His way generously and follow through graciously, always remembering that love is the greatest direction of all.