Fr Paul Gooley reads from the Gospel of Matthew (21: 28-32) in which Jesus tells the parable of two sons and their father’s request to each of the to go and work in the vineyard.

Fr Paul says in this passage, Jesus tells a parable to challenge the chief priests and elders who questioned his authority. A father asks his two sons to work in his vineyard. The first son initially refuses but later repents and goes; the second son agrees but does not follow through. When Jesus asks which son did the father’s will, the leaders reply, “The first.” Jesus then declares that tax collectors and prostitutes—public sinners who repented at John’s baptism—will enter the kingdom of God ahead of the religious leaders, who rejected John’s message despite seeing the sinners’ conversion.

The parable emphasizes that true obedience to God is shown through actions, not mere words. It contrasts those who initially resist but ultimately repent with those who profess piety but live hypocritically. This reflects God’s preference for genuine repentance over empty promises.

Fr Pual says Catholic teaching, underscores the need for conversion: God’s mercy welcomes all who do his will, urging us to examine our lives beyond outward religiosity.