Gospel for the Day with Pointers

Tuesday, 16th December,2025

3rd Week of Advent, Tuesday,

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 went and said to the first, “My boy, go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not go,” but afterwards thought better of it and went.

‘The man then went and said the same thing to the second who answered, “Certainly, sir,” but did not go. Which of the two did the father's will?’ They said, ‘The first.’ 

Jesus said to them, ‘In truth I tell you, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you, showing the way of uprightness, but you did not believe him, and yet the tax collectors and prostitutes did. Even after seeing that, you refused to think better of it and believe in him.’

• In today’s Gospel, Jesus criticized the chief priests and elders for being so rigid and legalistic in the practice of their religion that they ignored John’s call for repentance. 
  
  
• When we recognize our sinfulness and seek God’s mercy and forgiveness, our repentance is life-giving.
  
  
• In our busy everyday lives, are we like the first who ultimately followed his father’s instruction, or the second son who didn’t?