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We so enjoy returning to the
past. Often when our families get together we talk about the “good old
days.” We repeat stories of childhood, about our parents and
grandparents. We remember the old house, the old neighbors, the old
friends. It’s important to remember the past because it helped to make
us who we are today.
Still, times change. We are
not the same little kid we were years ago. If we keep making the same
mistakes we did as children, it’s no longer cute, it’s stupid. Should we
be surprised that God judges us by who we are today, not by who we were
or wanted to be ten, twenty, or even fifty years ago?
Every so often I hear someone say, “I used to go to church, but then
they changed everything, so I don’t go anymore.” Look at the world God
created. It is always changing. Change challenges us. It keeps us alert
and aware of what is going on around us. It makes life fresh and
exciting. Who are we to say that nothing should change.
Some people are too busy for church or the gospel. They have to earn a
living, pay the bills, and so on. Sometimes these very important people
die suddenly. What excuse will they make, what explanation will they
give for refusing God’s call.
If the Son of God was willing to empty himself of his divinity, even to
the point of dying as a human criminal for us, what could be more
important than our response to Christ?
In today’s gospel Jesus told the story of two sons. One said “no” but
later went. The other said “yes” but did not go. Jesus was never
anything but yes. Before the busyness of the coming days overtakes you,
empty yourself of the excuses and start listening for and obeying the
Father’s call in your life.
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