“Would you please make up your mind before I qualify for Social Security?” That used to be one of my favorite expressions... until, of course, I actually did qualify for Social Security. Now, I can only use the first part, “would you please make up your mind!” Making up our minds was easier before we had so many choices. Whether we are choosing cereal from an abundance of choices, ice cream flavors with all kinds of enticing names, a McDonald’s order, or even cat litter or dog food, the options can leave us spinning as we wonder what Snickers and Reggie would prefer. Our Gospel presents us with a very simple request: “Would you please go and work in the vineyard?” There are two sons and two answers. One says “yes” but does not go; the other says “no” but then says “yes.” Of course, both sons should have answered “yes” and then gone to work. Many years ago, a song captured this same thought. “First you say you do and then you don’t; then you say you will and then you won’t. You’re undecided now. So, what are you gonna do.” Not surprisingly, the name of the song is “Undecided.” This Sunday’s Gospel clearly exhorts us: make up your mind and then do it. Make up your mind to do what is right, then do it. Make up your mind to follow Christ, then do it. Ultimately, it boils down to what we do, not what we say we will do. In life, we get very disappointed with “no-shows,” those who say that they will participate – that they will help with a project, that they will come to the party, that they will join a club, that they will do this or that – but when the moment comes, they are no-shows. The first son in today’s Gospel is the “no show.” He says “yes” but does not show up. How does that translate into living the Christian message? Yes, Lord, I will follow you....yes, but right now there is something a little more important. I can’t pray because I have this important meeting. I can’t help with projects because the project would interfere with my free time. I can’t go to church because the Mass times do not fit perfectly with what I have planned for myself. Another name for no-shows is “yes, but.” Yes, I can or will… but. Then, there are those who say no or who won’t commit but ultimately decide in favor. Following Christ is not convenient, but it’s the right thing to do. Helping with a project really prevents me from doing what I want, but it’s the right thing to do. Going to church on Sunday really messes with my social life, but shouldn’t I spend some time with God and my fellow Catholics? Please remember that we cannot dream ourselves to heaven or wish ourselves into a relationship with God. The popular slogan to become whatever you want to be forgets to mention that it takes work to become what you want to be. If you want to date a girl, you have to do something...you have to ask her. If you want to follow Jesus, you have to accept his invitation and do something about it. The nice thing about following Jesus is that he always says “Yes, follow me.” He not only says yes, but he gives us an abundance of support to guide us along the journey. Here’s a little prayer that can help us in saying yes: Voice of Jesus, |
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