In track competition, sometimes a sprinter is described as "strong out of the blocks but weak to the finish." We can picture an explosive start followed by running out of gas. Often, the natural world provides relevant metaphors for our spiritual life. "When a virtuous man turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die" (Ez 18:26). This is not the route we want to follow. The Lord teaches us that he who perseveres to the end will be saved (see Mt 24:13).
Since the Lord is abundantly merciful, it is never too late. Jesus, in today's Gospel, paints a picture of family life. It is a scene repeated throughout history: One son speaks disrespectfully to his father but does the right thing; the other son pays lip service, while dissenting in his heart. "What do you think of this case?" (Mt 21:28ff) Jesus poses this question to the chief priests and elders, leaders of the people in His day. But we must challenge ourselves in the same way. Have we become disobedient? "When John came preaching a way of holiness, you put no faith in him; but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did believe in him. Yet even when you saw that, you did not repent and believe in him" (Mt 21:32).
Possibly a dose of humility would do us good (see Phil 2:3). Don't limp to the finish line! Repent and get back on track. Run to Confession.
| PRAYER: | Father, enlighten our minds to know Your truth and guide our footsteps in the ways of righteousness. |
| PROMISE: | "Good and upright is the Lord; thus He shows sinners the way." ––Ps 25:8 |
| PRAISE: | "...And every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!" (Phil 2:11) |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College