J
esus tells this parable after the leaders challenge his authority. A father asks two sons to work in his vineyard. The first refuses, but later changes his mind and goes. The second replies respectfully, “I go, sir,” yet never appears. When Jesus asks which son did the father’s will, the answer is clear: the first.
William Barclay titles it “The Better of Two Bad Sons.” Neither response is ideal. One son begins with disobedience; the other offers words without action. Barclay’s point is that promises cannot replace performance and fine words cannot substitute for fine deeds. The second son calls his father “sir,” displaying respect, but true courtesy is obedience given.
Jesus applies the parable to tax collectors, prostitutes, chief priests, and elders. The sinful had said “no” to God through their lives. Yet they believed John the Baptist, repented, and entered the vineyard. The religious leaders said “yes” through religious observance, but rejected John’s call and refused conversion. Their profession concealed disobedience.
Pope Francis teaches that obedience does not consist in saying “yes” or “no”; it consists in acting, cultivating the vineyard, doing good, and building God’s kingdom. He warns against religion that remains external but never changes attitudes or engages the conscience.
The pope draws attention to sincerity. The first son is wrong but honest. Admitting resistance, he can reconsider, repent, and change direction. The second hides behind a false “yes,” protecting his image while avoiding responsibility. Pope Francis differentiated the sinner, for whom conversion remains possible, from the corrupt person who disguises disobedience and silences honest self-examination.
The parable does not praise sin or rude refusal. It proclaims that no “no” must become permanent. God patiently gives us space to reconsider and transform refusal into obedience. Yet religious language, rituals, and good intentions are worthless if they never become action.
The question is therefore not simply what we have promised, but whether we are working in the vineyard today. Does our faith become forgiveness, justice, service, honesty, and compassion? God prefers an imperfect disciple who repents and acts to an impressive believer whose “yes” remains only words.
Father Josekutty Mathew CMF
Claretian Publications
bibleclaret.org
