From Fr Octavio

Matthew 21:28-32 | Obedience to God: Following the Example of Jesus

September 27, 2026

Dear Parish Family,

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us about a father who asks his two sons to go and work in his vineyard. The first son says no, but later changes his mind and goes. The second son says yes, but never goes.

It is a simple story, but it asks us an important question: What does our yes to God really mean? Throughout our lives, we have probably said yes to God many times. We said yes through our Baptism and Confirmation. We say yes when we come to Mass, receive the Sacraments, pray, care for our families, forgive someone, or help a person in need. But obedience to God is not only something we say. It is something we live.

Jesus is our greatest example. He was sent by the Father to accomplish our salvation. He humbled Himself and became one of us. He accepted the Father’s will completely, even when that obedience led Him to suffering and death on the Cross.

The Church teaches that Jesus freely accepted the Father’s plan of salvation. His obedience was an act of love, for His Father and for each one of us. Through His obedience, Christ opened for us the way to eternal life.

Sometimes, like the first son, we may resist God. Perhaps there have been moments when we knew what God was asking, but we chose another way. The good news is that God does not give up on us. His mercy always calls us home.

As the years pass, we understand more clearly that our time is precious. What matters most is remaining close to the Lord and allowing Him to guide our lives.

Each morning, we can simply ask: Lord, what do You want from me today? Help me to do Your will. And when we fail, we return to Him through prayer and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

May Jesus teach us to trust the Father as He did, and may our yes to God be renewed each day in faith, humility, and love.

 Amen.