Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

Ah, today’s Gospel is beautiful! We are reminded to respond to God and do his will. To be quite honest, there are times I have not wanted to do something, but, like the first son, I changed my mind and did what I was called to do.

I think we experience this a lot in our lives. God calls us to a certain task or mission, but we resist. Sometimes we flat out say, “I will not.” Other times we say yes, with no intention of doing it. As the Holy Spirit works within us, we have a change of heart and tend to the task or mission God has called us to.

As I thought about today’s Gospel, I was reminded of my children. Sometimes I would ask them to do something, and as very small children they would refuse. Some of my children would reconsider and do as I asked, even though they initially told me no, while others would tell me they would do it, only for me to find out later that they did not keep their word and follow through on their task. What is a parent to do? Children have consequences for not doing as told, just as I do, as a child of God. I would rather be as the tax collectors and prostitutes and turn from sin and join them in the Kingdom of God than spend eternity paying for my unwillingness to obey.

Ponder:

Do I hear the call of Christ and yet ignore him, or say yes but not follow through? Why do I do this? Do I consider the long-term consequences of my refusal to obey God? Do I consider how my lack of response affects those around me or myself?

Pray:

Dear Lord, help me to be open to responding to your call, whether it be in a ministry or helping someone out that I do not want to. Help me to think beyond this moment to the future when I will be judged. Guide me on my spiritual journey towards you so that I may join you in the Kingdom of God when my time comes.

Lorrie Lane Dyer is a religious education and parish coordinator at her local Catholic Church. She is also a facilitator for the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation with the University of Dayton. She is studying Theology at St. Mary of the Woods College with the intention of earning a PhD in Theology. She has written poetry and short stories for over thirty years. Her faith provides her with inspiration for many of her poetry collections, columns and short stories. Lorrie was the creator, editor and writer for The Catholic World, St. Francis of Assisi, has been published in numerous anthologies.

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