R./ The Lord is near to all who call upon him. Ps 145:8

Jesus tells a parable about two sons. A father tells the first son to go out in the field to work. He says, “No.” But he changes his mind and goes to work in the field. The father gives the second son the same order. The second son says, “Yes, sir.” But he doesn’t go! Jesus asks, “Which one did the father’s will?” Actions speak louder than words. Is your first reaction to say no to God? Maybe the task seems to great or even impossible. On reflection, we realize it’s better to do what he asks. God knows better than we do. God also promised he would always help us and sent the Holy Spirit. We can have courage and try!

Lately, I am getting discouraged. Maybe it’s just that I don’t see the fruit of my labors. I work and share and pray. I try to be uplifting. Most times, I am the first son. I’m just not feeling it. I’m not motivated. I’m tired and worn out. I think about how I can’t do it. I heard a talk by Joe Paprocki from Loyola Press recently. He said that grace is divine energy. (It’s not an exact quote!) He used the words ‘divine energy.’ Am I energized? If I’m prayerfully following God’s will and listening to the Holy Spirit, I should feel energized! Then I remember St. Paul saying, “I do what I don’t want to do and I don’t do what I want to.” He talks about our human struggles to run the race to the finish line. He says that we should walk by faith and not by sight. Just keep trying and trusting. It’s not easy!

But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of God’s grace. Acts 20:24

Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us… Heb 12:1

Are you like the second son? Do you say yes and then find reasons why you can’t do the next right thing? Does your yes mean yes? Can you keep your word? This week, pay more attention to whether you say yes or no and why. Think and choose. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you!

Scripture Focus for OCTOBER 1

Challenge—follow the daily Mass to hear the whole story with a phone app or get your daily Mass Readings at http://www.usccb.org!