Ezekiel 18:25-28 / Philippians 2:1-11 / Matthew 21:28-32
We may have heard of this expression: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.
Of course, that is more like a childish rebuttal when being teased or scolded or a reaction to some gossip.
But in reality, it is more like: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will continue to haunt me.
So, whatever we may think about words, whether it is too many words, or too few words, the power of words cannot be under-estimated.
Words may not have the force to tear the skin or to break the bones, but words make their way into the heart and are locked in there.
Kind and encouraging words strengthen the heart and lift up the spirit.
Harsh and hurtful words contaminate the heart and make it bitter and resentful.
We will remember that Jesus said this: From what fills the heart, the words will flow.
But in today’s gospel parable, there seems to be some kind of contradiction. What is being said and what is being done is so different.
In the parable, the first son was asked to go and work in the vineyard. He said “no” but afterwards thought better of it and went.
The same thing was said to the second son and he answered, “Certainly, sir,” but he did not go.
What we often encounter is the second son’s response. Some people will say “yes” to anything that is asked of them, but whether they will accomplish it or fulfill it, that’s another question.
But the first son’s response and subsequent action is something for us to ponder upon.
His response is something that is unpleasant to hear. To get a flat and sharp “No” from our children, our employees, our subordinates, it is certainly irritating and insulting.
Our instinctive reaction would be to use words that hurt and haunt that person until we get compliance and submission.
This is where the gospel parable teaches us about the ways of God, about His love, His mercy and His compassion, especially for those who disobey Him and turn away from Him.
God didn’t use lightning and thunder to force them to repent and obey. Of course He could have, but He didn’t.
Instead God sent John the Baptist to preach the message of repentance. And surprisingly, it was the lowest of sinners, those hopeless sinners, those tax collectors and prostitutes, those were the ones that listened to him and repented.
And Jesus added on to John the Baptist’s message of repentance with these beautiful words:
For God sent His only Son into the world, not to condemn the world but that through Him the world might be saved.
We have said “no” to others and it has made them felt hurt, pain, anger and bitterness.
But let us listen to those loving words of Jesus and repent and do what God wants of us so that there will be peace and Harmony.
For those who have said “no” to us, let us not use harsh and hurtful words to rebuke them. This will only cause bitterness and resentment.
Just as God is loving and merciful and compassionate to us so that we can repent, let us also use kind and encouraging words to help others to do what God wants of them.
Let us use words that heal, loving words that come from our heart, so that others will experience the love of God by our words.