Listen to this reflection in English
Escuchar esta reflexión en español
Sometimes when we get home from work we are so tired that we don’t feel like doing anything at all, yet there is so much to do around the house. We might find ourselves uttering the phrase, “I’ll do it tomorrow.” And as the days go by, we keep repeating, “Tomorrow, I’ll do it tomorrow.” Perhaps this was especially common back when we still lived with our parents. When they asked us to do our chores, some of us would obey and others wouldn’t.
Today’s Gospel reading tells the story of two sons and their father. “‘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.” Here, the second son lies to his father, claiming he will go work in the vineyard, whereas the first son, despite his initial reluctance to go, ultimately ends up going.
We may possess extensive knowledge of the Bible and the Commandments; we may attend Mass regularly and have read many books; yet we must always put what we know into practice, because our actions serve as an example to others. One illustration of this can be seen during political election campaigns. Some candidates are gifted orators who manage to sway the crowds, but once they have achieved their objective, they forget everything they promised.
There are moments in life when our actions fail to align with the lessons we have learned, and we commit acts of injustice. When this occurs, we must possess the humility to acknowledge our mistakes. We can take time each day to reflect upon our actions, and if someone tells us that we have hurt them, we must find the strength to offer an apology.
The first reading states that when a sinner “turns from the wickedness he has committed, and does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life; since he has turned away from all the sins that he has committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.” This offers us hope that we can be saved from sin and return to the path of righteousness. By going to Confession, our souls are cleansed of sin, our consciences are set at ease, and our communion with God is restored once again.
Despite our mistakes, we have a perfect Father that is always patient with us and always awaits us with open arms. Do not put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
A veces nos pasa que llegamos cansados del trabajo y no queremos hacer nada, pero dentro de la casa hay muchas cosas por hacer. Por ahí nos sale la frase “mañana lo hago” y pasan los días y seguimos diciendo mañana y mañana. Sobre todo cuando aún vivíamos en casa de los padres y nos daban deberes que hacer, pasaba que algunos obedecían u otros no.
El evangelio de hoy nos habla de dos hijos y su padre. “‘Hijo, ve a trabajar hoy en la viña’. Él le contestó: ‘Ya voy, señor’, pero no fue. El padre se dirigió al segundo y le dijo lo mismo. Éste le respondió: ‘No quiero ir’, pero se arrepintió y fue.” Aquí el primer hijo miente a su padre en que va a trabajar a la viña mientras el segundo, por más que tiene el deseo de no ir a trabajar, igual termina yendo.
Podemos saber la Biblia, los mandamientos, ir a misa y haber leído mucho, pero siempre hay que poner en práctica lo que sabemos, porqué de nuestras acciones seremos ejemplo para los demás. Un ejemplo sería la previa de las elecciones políticas. Algunos candidatos son grandes oradores que convencen a las multitudes pero después que lograron su objetivo, se olvidan de lo que dijeron.
Tenemos momentos en la vida que nuestras acciones no van de la mano con lo que aprendimos y comentemos injusticia. Cuando esto ocurre, debemos tener la humildad para reconocer nuestros errores. Podemos hacer una reflexión cada día de nuestros actos y si alguien nos dice que la hemos dañado, tener la fortaleza de pedir disculpas.
La primera lectura dice, “Cuando el pecador se arrepiente del mal que hizo y practica la rectitud y la justicia, él mismo salva su vida. Si recapacita y se aparta de los delitos cometidos, ciertamente vivirá y no morirá.” Nos da la esperanza que podemos salvarnos del pecado y volver al camino de la justicia. Yendo a confesarnos nuestra alma queda limpia de pecado, nuestra conciencia está tranquila, y nuevamente hay esa comunión con Dios.
A pesar de nuestros errores, tenemos un Padre tan perfecto que siempre nos tiene paciencia y nos espera siempre con los brazos abiertos. No dejes para mañana lo que puedes hacer hoy.
Felix Urcia was born in Lima, Peru. He moved to the U.S. to complete his college degree in Computer Science at Northern Kentucky University. He is passionate about his faith, his family, education and soccer. When he is not homeschooling and caring for his young children he enjoys personal programing projects and sports analysis. He and his wife live in a small town in Western Michigan where they enjoy spending time with their five children.
Feature Image Credit: Dayne Topkin, unsplash.com/photos/macbook-pro-on-white-table-y5_mFlLMwJk
The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.
Daily Reading
Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading 1 Ezekiel 18:25-28 Thus says the LORD:You say, “The LORD’s way is not fair!”Hear now, house of Israel:Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your…
Saint of the Day
Saint Vincent de Paul
Saint Vincent de Paul, born in 1580, founded the Lazarists. Captured by pirates, his faith led to numerous charitable endeavors. The post Saint Vincent de Paul appeared first on uCatholic.