Sunday, September 27, 2026

“Tax collectors and prostitutes will precede you in the kingdom of God.” (Mt 21:31)

Jesus’ words are startling. He presents as examples those whom many despised and from whom religious people tended to keep their distance. Of course, he does not praise their past. He sees that they are able to hear God’s call, repent for what they have done, and take a new path.

Jesus speaks of two sons before him. One says no to his father but later does the work entrusted to him. The other says yes but does not go. The parable asks us a simple question: what happens after we have spoken the beautiful words? Does our faith become visible in our decisions? Does it become real in how we treat others?

It is easy to be confident in ourselves if we know the prayers, participate in the life of the church, and know what to answer. Meanwhile, perhaps the change that God is calling us to today is exactly the one that is still awaited: an admitted mistake, a repaired hurt, a sincere apology.

Jesus does not imprison anyone in their past. That is why every word of his carries hope. Whoever was far away yesterday can start moving toward him today. For us, it is not about measuring others’ places in the kingdom of God, but about hearing the call and taking the first step.