Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Zep 3:1-2,9-13
Mt 21:28-32
“Which of the two did the father’s will?”
Sometimes, I wonder which son I resemble in the Gospel passage for today – the one who initially refused his father’s request but then later changed his mind? Or the one who initially agreed, but then did not turn up.
But I have come to realise that I am equally prone to behave like either of them depending on the circumstances. Unfortunately, I resemble the first son when my parents come up with (seemingly random) requests when I work from home; and I resemble the second son more often than I’d like to admit when my people-pleasing tendencies make me agree to requests before fully considering the time and/or effort involved. I am probably also like the second son in having all sorts of good intentions that are eventually waylaid by distraction or procrastination, such as my yearly resolutions to embark on a meaningful Advent.
While I should strive to be more like the first son in terms of ultimately obeying our Lord, I also wonder about my intentions — how often I obey out of obligation or resentment, and how often I do so willingly (let alone cheerfully, since God loves a cheerful giver). Why is it so hard to follow our Lord?!
Ultimately, both sons’ responses wouldn’t necessarily be considered stellar examples of Christian behaviour, just like the tax collectors and prostitutes referred to in today’s reading. But I’d like to think the sons are accessible examples we all can relate to and am grateful for Jesus’ mentioning them, as it indicates how well our Lord understands us.
On another note, I noticed that the first son had probably decided to obey his father because he had continued to think about his father’s request (“afterwards he changed his mind and went”). Similarly, Jesus seemed to rebuke the chief priests and elders for their refusal to think about how the tax collectors and prostitutes had responded to John the Baptist’s preaching (“Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”). In the spirit of Advent, perhaps this is a timely reminder of the importance of intentionally slowing down, to dwell and reflect so as to allow our Lord space to enter our hearts and minds this season amid the many (well-intentioned) distractions we encounter.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Jaclyn Lam)
Prayer: Jesus, help us to be aware of Your Father’s will. By your example and prayers, give us the guidance, courage and perseverance we need to obey it.
Thanksgiving: Loving Father, thank you for your willingness and patience to grant us second (or multiple) chances to turn back to You, whether it be during this Advent season or at other times.
OXYGEN 
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