The understanding about the sinner’s privilege of experiencing God’s mercy stuns and surprises us. The Master-Storyteller uses a parable to explain this mystery to His audience. The son, who blatantly refused to obey, went away and reflected, realized and repented, and went to accomplish his father’s commission: “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.” (Mt 21:29). But the son, who could cheat by instant saying of yes, never bothered his father’s demand, and never regretted or repented. Jesus’ praise for the tax collectors and prostitutes must have roused the self-righteous, who believed and claimed that the kingdom of God is their’s by right, and terribly upset them. May God give us the grace to admit our sinfulness, and look for the mercy that awaits to shower forgiveness, grace and blessing that the Father wants to provide us abundantly.

Abba, Thank You for forgiving us, sinners. Let Your Spirit make us reflect, realize and repent so that we may enjoy Your unending mercy, In Jesus’ Most Merciful Name, Amen.