GENUINE CONVERSION - 12/13/22 (Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr)

Matthew 21:28–31

“What do you think? A man had two sons; and he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not’; but afterward he repented and went. And he went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” 

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121222.cfm

Blessed Memorial of Saint Lucy! In today's gospel reading, Jesus preached to the chief priests, Pharisees and elders the parable of the two sons. The first son did not immediately follow what his father said, but he later changed his mind. However, the second son said that he would go to the vineyard, but he was not faithful to his words. Why did Jesus use such a parable? It's because our Lord desired to compare the tax collectors and prostitutes, who repented of their sins, with the Pharisees and the scribes who were supposed to be faithful to God due to their knowledge of Scriptures but did not accept the gospel. This is important for us to reflect upon because genuine conversion is seen when our good works flow from our faith in God. When we tell God that we do not want to be materialistic and that we want to help the poor, do we make an effort to offer money and food to the poor whom we see around us or do we just spend our money with extravagant things? When we tell God that we are willing to trust in Him, do we bear the sufferings we experience with confidence in Him or do we complain of these things? As we prepare in this Advent season, our Lord is telling us to ponder on how genuine our devotion is for Him. 

When Jesus told this parable to the chief priests and elders, did He imply that there was no hope for their salvation? The truth is that God reveals this to them because our Lord wants to show them how possible salvation is despite their imperfections. As we see in the parable, the first son disobeyed at first, but he followed his father afterwards. God doesn't expect us to be perfectionists. But, what He calls us to is a life where we always turn to God everytime we fall. As we examine our sins, let's remember that God's mercy is bigger than our weaknesses. Even if it's difficult to see our virtues, it's an opportunity for us to be humble and to go to our Lord in prayer more. He hears the cries and the prayers of His children. When we fall to grave sins, God is inviting us to receive His mercy in the sacrament of confession. We can also receive this sacrament frequently, like once every two weeks or once every month, especially when we become more aware of our faults, even though they may be small. Through our perseverance in prayers and in the sacraments, God will slowly and gently convert our hearts for us to be filled by His mercy and love. By God's grace, let's repent of our sins and say "yes" to His will. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Saint Lucy of Syracuse:

https://sanctoral.com/en/saints/saint_lucy_of_syracuse.html

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth