December 15, 2020
Tuesday for the Third Week of Advent
Readings for Today
Listen for English
Jesus tell the chief priests and the elders of the people: “Wetin una think? One man get two sons. E go meet the first one tell am, ‘My son, go work for the vineyard today.’ The son answer, ‘I no go go,’ but later e change im mind and go. Matthew 21:28–29
This Gospel passage wey dey above na the first part of one story wey get two parts. The first son talk say e no go work for the vineyard, but e change im mind and go. The second son talk say e go go, but e no go. Which of the sons you resemble pass?
Of course, wetin for best na to tell the papa “Yes” and then really do wetin e talk. But Jesus tell this story to show the difference between the “prostitutes and tax collectors” and the “chief priests and elders.” Plenty of these religious leaders for that time sabi talk the right thing, but dem no act according to wetin God want. On the other hand, the sinners for that time no always ready to agree at first, but plenty of dem later listen to the message of repentance and change their ways.
So, once again, which group you resemble pass? To admit say we often dey struggle to accept everything wey God ask us to do, especially at first, dey teach us humility. Im commands dey reach the root of our life, and to accept dem need plenty honesty, uprightness and goodness. Because of this, plenty things dey wey we first refuse to accept. For example, to forgive another person no always easy straightaway. Or to commit yourself straightaway to pray every day fit hard. Or to choose any good virtue instead of bad habit fit no come easy for us.
One message of mercy wey great well-well, wey our Lord dey reveal to us through this passage, be say as long as we still dey alive, e never too late to change. Deep inside, all of us know wetin God want from us. The problem be say we often allow our confused thinking or desires wey no dey in proper order to stop us from responding completely, straightaway and with all our heart to wetin God want. But if we remember say even the “prostitutes and tax collectors” later change their minds, we go get encouragement to change our ways too.
Today, think deeply about that part of wetin God want wey hard pass for you to accept and do straightaway with all your heart. Wetin you dey find yourself telling “No,” at least at first? Make up your mind to build the habit for your heart of telling our Lord “Yes” and doing wetin E want for every way.
Precious Lord, give me the grace wey I need to respond every time Your grace dey move me for my life. Help me to tell You “Yes” and to carry am out with my actions. As I dey see more clearly the ways wey I don refuse Your grace, give me courage and strength to change, so that my life go follow Your perfect plan for me more fully. Jesus, na You I trust.
More Reflections on the Gospel
Reflection Dem about God im Mercy
