Tuesday of the 3rd week of Advent (Year I)
Saint Lucy, Virgin, Martyr
Zephaniah 3:1-2,9-13 | Psalm 33(34):2-3,6-7,16,18-19,23 | Matthew 21:28-32
In the Parable of the Two Sons that is today’s Gospel, Jesus reiterates His message in the earlier Sermon on the Mount, which is best known for the Beatitudes. During that lengthy sermon, He reminded us that:
It is not those who say to me, “Lord, Lord”, who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven. (Matthew 7:21)
So let us consciously avoid the NATO (No Action, Talk Only) way of Christian living, and adopt instead the ASEAN philosophy, as Action Surely Evangelizes All Nations.
After all, it’s hard to ignore folks who practise what they preach.
Lord, we know that actions speak louder than words, but we often lack the will to show Your love to others. Give us the courage and strength to stand in Your name against the hatred and despair in this world, to show mercy and compassion like You showed the downtrodden and sorely afflicted during Your ministry on earth. May it come to pass that everyone whose lives we touch in Your name turns to You in faith, hope and love, as we turn to You in our daily lives. Amen.