Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 16, 2025

Date: Tuesday of the 3^rd Week of Advent

Scripture Text:  Matthew 21:28-32

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “What is your opinion?  A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’  The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he 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.  Which of the two did his father’s will?”  They answered, “The first.”  Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you.  When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did.  Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel reading immediately follows yesterday’s where Jesus’ authority was questioned. Jesus’ parable highlights Jesus’ mission of calling sinners to salvation. The self-righteous who question Jesus’ authority and fail to acknowledge their need for Him and for salvation are like the first son who say “Yes” but do not act prove that in Jesus’ mind, actions matter more than words.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do my actions match my words? Am I truly seeking to discern the LORD’s will and act or am I saying “Yes” publicly but privately not following through?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You call to us. You invite us to come to You through the Son. Send your Spirit to guide us, to grace us with the spirit of cooperation, to strengthen our resolve to seek your will, and to increase our love for You, for the Son, and for the Spirit. Grant that we may use this advent time to examine our hearts and let our “Yes” to You truly be a “Yes!” opening our minds, hearts, souls, and lives to You and your transformative love. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.