My brothers and sisters in Christ,
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
This Sunday, the Word of God invites us to look honestly into our hearts and ask a simple but important question: Does my “yes” to God become visible in the way I live?
In the Gospel, Jesus tells us about two sons. One says “no” to his father but later changes his mind and goes to work. The other says “yes,” but does not go. The difference is not in their words but in what they eventually do. Jesus reminds us that genuine faith is not merely something we profess with our lips; it must become a way of life.
The first reading from Ezekiel gives us the same message of hope. God does not imprison us in our past. When a person turns away from sin and begins to live according to God’s ways, there is always the possibility of new life. Conversion—metanoia—means allowing God to change the direction of our hearts.
St. Paul then points us toward Jesus Himself: “Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus.” Christ emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, and humbled Himself in obedience. His life shows us that Christian commitment is not about recognition or status, but about loving God and serving others.
These readings speak beautifully to us as we celebrate the Beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen in St. Louis. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle reminded us that Sheen’s blessedness was not ultimately measured by the millions who heard him through radio and television. It was found in his communion with Christ and his closeness to people, especially the poor and vulnerable. Archbishop Sheen understood that his mission was simply to lead people to Jesus. He was not the destination; he was a servant pointing toward the Lord. Perhaps this is our invitation today: conversion, commitment and consistency.
Conversion asks: What in my life needs to change? Commitment asks: Where is Christ asking me to serve, forgive, sacrifice or love? Consistency asks: Do I continue living my faith when no one is watching? Our “yes” to God cannot remain only in church. It must enter our homes, our families, our workplaces and our relationships.
May we have the mind and heart of Christ. May our words become actions, our faith become service, and our love become visible. And like Blessed Fulton Sheen, may we never become tired of proclaiming Jesus—not only by what we say, but by the way we live. May our “yes” to Christ be renewed each day. Amen.
God Loves you!
~Fr. Neil.