In Constant Repentance We Become Better

Sometimes we think repentance is meant for people who do not believe, for those who have wandered far from God, while we who come to church are already doing what the Father asks. Today’s Gospel gently challenges that assumption. Jesus tells of two sons. One says, “I will not,” but later changes his mind and goes to work in the vineyard. The other says, “Yes, sir,” but does not go. The first son’s beginning was wrong, but he was willing to turn around. The second son had the right words, but his actions did not follow. Jesus is not asking which son sounded more faithful. He is asking which one did the Father’s will. That question is for us, too. We may say yes to God in prayer, at Mass, or in the promises we make. But do our choices show that yes? Do we forgive, serve, speak truthfully, and make room for the needs of others? When we notice a gap between our words and our lives, the answer is not despair or pretense. It is repentance: turning back toward God and taking the next faithful step. Ezekiel tells us that the person who turns away from sin and does what is right will live. God does not define us only by our worst choices or our past failures. The psalm gives us words for the journey: “Teach me your paths,” and “Remember your mercies, O Lord.” Repentance begins when we trust that God is both good enough to show us the way and merciful enough to welcome us as we turn. Saint Paul shows us what that turning looks like. We are to take on the mind of Christ, who humbled himself and looked to the good of others. Repentance is more than feeling sorry; it changes how we live. We become less governed by pride, resentment, and self-interest, and more ready to serve as Jesus served. In this way, repentance makes us better Christians—not because we earn God’s love, but because we let God’s love shape us for the Kingdom. So let us not reserve repentance for “other people.” It belongs to every disciple, every day. The Lord still calls us into his vineyard. Even if our first answer has been no, we can change our minds. Even if we have said yes but failed to act, we can begin again. What matters is turning toward the Father and doing his will today.