Especially in the Old Testament (the Jewish scriptures), there is pretty much black and white language, especially delivered upon those who do not follow God or God’s laws, or walk in the way of the Lord.
But especially those who worship other deities.
These prophecies are swift and total, and no one will escape. God will force them to return to him, especially after they have paid the price for their “Godless” ways!
+ The Gospel, however, is a much more nuanced description of the way that people act or respond, even to people that they love.
In Jesus’ example of the man with two sons who responded to his order and request that they go out into the field and work, the first said “no” and later went, thereby doing his father’s will and order and request.
The other said “yes” but never went. When Jesus askedwhich one did his father’s will, order, and request, they answer correctly: the first, the one who said no but actually went into the field to work.
The application or lesson from Jesus’ example and story is searing.
Even when you saw prostitutes and tax collectors — sinners — changing their ways, repenting, because they heard what John was saying, even then you did not change your minds and believe him.
Stubborn! Closed! Unrepentant! Arrogant! Blind! Fools! Hard hearts! Ignorant!
+ Now, to be fair, Jesus did not use all of those descriptions of their errant behavior — at least not on this occasion.
But he describes them in the fashion of those words on many other occasions; so as they say: “If the shoe fits, wear it!”
+ The lesson for us is clear: listen, open up, change hearts and ways! Repent!
See. Hear. Feel. Respond to. Come to know the kingdom of God in your midst!
Father Perry D. Leiker is the 14th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at perry.leiker@gmail.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.
