So very often we understand religious responsibility as law, reinforced by punishment.
Matthew 21: 28 – 32
In today’s Gospel passage, by choosing to use sons instead of employees in the parable, Jesus removes ‘compulsion’ and introduces ‘love’. For us to do the will of The Father is a call to love. However, so very often we understand religious responsibility as law reinforced by punishment – otherwise you will go to hell.
Jesus’ relationship with The Father is based on love, not on command; and here in the parable of the two sons he is suggesting that we should see it similarly. Jesus invites us to call The Father – Abba – Daddy. The parable invites us to seek a loving, personal relationship with the Trinity.
Lord, you have called us into a love relationship. Free us from any mind-set or attitude that would compromise that relationship. Amen.