Two sons: «No» and «Me!»
(Mt 21:28-32)
In the rabbis' tales the «Son» was only one: Israel! In the teaching of Christ, however, even a reckless remains a son.
The Master of the Vineyard image of the chosen people, turns to his «prototype» of man with tenderness and maternal bowels: «My little child».
He tries to make him understand: «The unfamiliar land is full of dissensions and grudges, instead the Vineyard is yours; committed therefore to building the world of joy».
But it’s basically normal to desist: «I don’t want to» - because we are often attracted not by the Beatitudes, but to worldly criteria.
Working for the life of others, recognizing their dignity and promoting it does not arise immediately and spontaneously to everyone; on the contrary, it seems onerous.
Yet it is the difference that gives us the cue, not the rule or the reproach.
The perception of what appears “foreign” becomes a rare insight into one's own essence, a dilation of the Ego - a growing movement and process that leads to an understanding of the You in the Ego itself.
Trivial instinctive reactions must be understood, because pre-emptive condemnations block growth.
Eccentricity of the brother is the paradoxical starting point for finding himself and one’s own way.
Of course, repulsion can emerge at first; there is no need to be scandalized, nor to accuse. Recovering the deep human dimension is not a piece of cake.
Moreover, we know from experience: the most convinced ‘Yes’ passes through an initial ‘No’.
The inner struggle is to be reckoned with - finally it itself will affect far beyond formal adherence.
In short, the truest ‘Yes’ comes from a request for explanation.
Although the habitual are ready to show the best intentions right away, they become all showcase and no substance; and only empty words.
The Father therefore turned to the promises’ son: «I, Lord!». How to say: «There is Me here; why think of others?».
The exaggeratedly kindred and positive reaction indicates that the customary son... did not understand.
This “son” certainly disagreed with the Father’s design - so deep and demanding - and he thought in his own way how one behaves in the Vineyard.
Therefore, he beluded himself to be benefitted, instead of Saved.
In short, the choice is between Faith or protocols: «By now, various manifest sinners are surpassing you» (v.31).
[The discrimination of life in the Spirit? The exception that becomes promotion].
Women and men respond «Here I am» to the Appeal because they are intimately persuaded, not by external influence - of labels.
True friends of vital energy are not the conventions.
In such a way, compared to the different ancient beliefs, an intrinsic side of Jesus' Invitation is the adult mind.
It excludes adherent solutions [common or elitist]: they enclose souls in a condition of dependence, with illusory progress.
In the communities of Galilee and Syria the pagans quickly became a majority - elevated to the rank of sons.
They did not submit to nerve-wracking processes, but spontaneously were recognizing the Lord.
“Contrary” Moral: never trust those who rush to say: «Yes sir!».
[Tuesday 3rd wk. in Advent, December 16, 2025]
