Walk the Talk

09-27-2026Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

In the first reading, Israel understood that, as God's chosen people, they shared responsibility for setting a good example to other nations. After the Temple—their national institution—was destroyed, this shared responsibility shifted toward personal responsibility. Ezekiel emphasized that children are not punished for their parents' sins; each person is accountable for his or her own choices. Everyone is free to turn away from wickedness and choose righteousness. We are judged not by the sins of our past, but by the new life we choose to live.

Philippians 2:1-11 exhorts us to harmony in two ways: negatively, by rejecting rivalry and conceit; and positively, by embracing humility, recognizing the goodness in others, and placing their needs before our own.

When confronted by the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus taught the importance of deeds, not merely lip service. He made clear that words alone, or simply claiming to know God's Law, do not guarantee entrance into His Kingdom. What God desires is sincere metanoia—a true change of heart. We are saved not because of our past, but despite it; God sees our hearts and shows mercy.

In the Parable of the Two Sons, Jesus contrasts empty religious words with genuine obedience born of a changed heart.

Metanoia: Change of Heart

1. The Parable of the Two Sons appears only in the Gospel of Matthew, which stresses the importance of conversion. Israel is like the second son, who said "Yes" but failed to follow God's Law. The Pharisees preached but did not practice what they preached; they did not "walk the talk." By contrast, many who had fallen away—such as the tax collectors and prostitutes mentioned by Jesus experienced conversion, or metanoia, and found their way back to God.
2. God is unlike us because He sees the depths of the soul. He is merciful and compassionate. In Matthew 18:24, He forgave the servant who owed a great debt yet condemned that same servant for refusing mercy to another who owed him far less. God is merciful, but we cannot force Him into our own system of rewards and merits. Good intentions are not enough; both our intentions and our actions must be good.
3. Faith must be shown in deeds, not words alone. We are naturally disappointed by empty promises. Consumers trust companies that live up to their advertisements. Students respect a teacher who promptly corrects and returns their work. Employers admire quiet workers who get things done more than those who boast about their accomplishments. General MacArthur is remembered in the Philippines because he kept his promise: "I shall return."
4. People see appearances, but God sees the heart. Jesus says in Matthew 7:21-23 that not everyone who cries, "Lord, Lord," will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who do the will of His Father. Lip service and outward religious actions are not enough; God desires a heart in communion with Him. How often have we said no first, only to realize our mistake and, with a contrite heart, do what the loving Father asks? Like the Prodigal Son, we can say, "I shall rise and go to my father and say, Father, I have sinned against you..." (Luke 15:18). Our merciful and compassionate God sees our weakness and restores us with His love and peace.
5. If there were a third son in the parable, he would be the Son par excellence: the Son of Man and the Son of God. His whole life was a constant "Yes" to the Father's will. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, "Not my will, but your will be done" (Matthew 26:42). The ideal Christian response is to imitate this "third son"—one who does not rebel, argue, or contradict, but goes out courageously to embrace God's will. His "Yes" is a "Yes" He never takes back.