3rd Sunday of Advent (A) : Tuesday 16th December 2025

Today’s readings remind us that God longs for a change of heart more than outward appearances. Zephaniah pronounces judgment on Jerusalem for rebellion and refusal to correct themselves. In contrast (v 9), God promises to purify His people, grant them a “pure speech,” and gather a remnant who trust God and speak truth.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the two sons. One says “No” to his father but later obeys; the other says “Yes” but does not act. Jesus uses this parable to confront those (the religious teachers) who profess faith but fail to live it. True obedience is not about words but about conversion, our willingness to turn back, even after failure, and to do the Father’s Will.

Each of us has both sons within us: one who hesitates but later obeys, and the other one who promises but won’t act. The real measure of faith is not that we say “yes,” but how faithfully we follow through. Conversion is not a one- time event; it is a daily decision to listen, to be corrected and to act. Both readings remind us that God is still speaking to us patiently, calling, correcting and comforting us. He does not reject us for our “No,” rather He waits for our hearts to change. The question is not whether we have failed before, but whether we will say “Yes” now, and mean it.

PRAYER: O God, help me to say and do “Yes” most of the time.