Paul expresses very powerfully the mystery we celebrate when we gather as a community, and when we respond to our call of Discipleship. Jesus became one like us, so that through him we might share in his divinity. Matthew's story of the two son's is par for the course among the Pharisees and Saducees. According to their culture though, it is acceptable to make a commitment in public such as this in public and not follow through. Jesus challenges this understanding and clearly asks which son does the will of the father. He then applies the story to the religious leaders response to John the Baptist.
Jesus' affirmative response to the Father leads him to the cross. Note though that as Jesus prepares for the events that lead to his saving death, he washes the feet of his disciples. Jesus the humble servant shows an unconditional loving act as he washes the feet of his disciples. "What I have done you also must do." Saying 'Yes' to the Father in heaven involves committing ourselves to an ongoing relationship of selflessness with God, and with each other.
In another letter of Paul, to the Corinthians, Paul offers a litany of the fruit of selfless love. We are familiar with it. Love is patient, kind, selfless, et al. In the messiness of life we cannot simply look glassy eyed at this theological reflection. We have to take seriously the fact that if we say 'Yes' to God, and to others, our relationships will come with warts and all. The call to each of us is to re-affirm our commitment to God and to others on a daily basis. More so we practice the law of love through mercy, prayer, justice, and acts of charity.
What God has begun in us, as are called to bring to completion.
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