Every human being has the desire to be accepted. Whilst the desire is good, we often must seek its realisation correctly. There is a difference between “looking good” and “being good”.
Often, we are so busy trying to “look good” that we become self-absorbed
and divorced from reality. Like the one son, we say yes but never really mean it because our attention is solely on ourselves and our trying to look good.
But there is more. We can also easily miss the ongoing revelation of God’s presence around us - especially in the weak, poor and vulnerable of our world. Jesus does not come in the marvellous and spectacular but,
most often, in the poor and vulnerable.
Jesus’ parable of the two sons asked to work in the vineyard starkly reminds us of the difference between trying to look good and being good. Looking good is like sugar-coating. It is projecting an image, and it is for outward show. On the other hand, being good is about our daily commitment to make sure our Christian faith has a profound impact on our lives and, by extension,
on those around us.
Our faith’s impact should be seen in our daily priorities and compassion. Our faith should make inroads into our families, communities, professional lives, workplaces, and relationships. If it does not, we, like the son who said yes and did not go, should ask ourselves: What are we doing here? What difference is our faith really making? Is it
like a facade?
Professing the Christian faith, saying yes is easy. Living daily as disciples of Jesus is much more challenging.
As we come to the end of this week of reflections on the parable of the two sons, what stays with you? Can you identify moments of seeking to “look
good” versus “doing good” in your life? What grace does this parable lead you to ask of the Lord for yourself? Talk to God today about your reflections as one friend would talk to another.
Reflections by Fr Russell Pollitt SJ
