Here we invite you to take time for yourself in personal prayer. The following spiritual reflection offers words and images which we hope will evoke for you an experience of God.

By: Sister Karen Dietz

Opening Prayer

Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, and guide me in your truth and teach me. Amen. (Psalm 25)

Reading

Matthew 21: 28 - 32

Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: "What is your opinion?
A man had two sons.
He came to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.'
He said in reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards changed his mind and went.
The man came to the other son and gave the same order.
He said in reply, 'Yes, sir, ' but did not go.
Which of the two did his father's will?"
They answered, "The first."
Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes
are entering the kingdom of God before you.
When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him;
but tax collectors and prostitutes did.
Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him."

Reflection

Today’s readings are all about second chances. I believe this is such an important message for all of us. Think about your own growing up years. I hope there were some adults in your life that allowed you to make mistakes, to apologize and to start again. This is how we grow. Of course, my parents held up the ideal and “right” behavior as something to be aspired to, but there were times when I fell short. Sometimes it was on purpose and other times it was due to a lack of paying attention. Most times my parents would talk with me about consequences of my actions and then gave me the chance to start again.

In our Gospel the second son has a moment when his conscience gets the better of him and even though he had refused his father, he changes his mind and does what was asked. This is conversion. This is what God calls us to over and over again, in big and small ways. We are constantly growing in the spiritual life; falling short and beginning again. This is how we deepen our relationship with God. This is the stretching toward God that constitutes our life. None of us is finished yet. Let’s celebrate the God of second chances and resolve to work harder to know and follow the call to union with God.

Closing Prayer

Brothers and sisters: if there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace on love, any participation in the Spirit, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, always looking out for others. Amen.

Welcoming the Holy