The readings invite a little room for holy waiting. Stay with what Jesus says or does here, and let it ask for one honest response.
Today’s readings
First Reading
Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
Woe to her who is rebellious and polluted, the oppressing city! She didn't obey the voice. She didn't receive correction. She didn't trust in the LORD. She didn't draw near to her God. For then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that they may all call on the LORD's name, to serve him shoulder to shoulder. From beyond the rivers of Cush, my worshipers, even the daughter of my dispersed people, will bring my offering. In that day you will not be disappointed for all your doings in which you have transgressed against me; for then I will take away out from among you your proudly exulting ones, and you will no more be arrogant in my holy mountain. But I will leave among you an afflicted and poor people, and they will take refuge in the LORD's name. The remnant of Israel will not do iniquity nor speak lies, neither will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth, for they will feed and lie down, and no one will make them afraid."
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 and 23
My soul shall boast in the LORD. The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh magnify the LORD with me. Let's exalt his name together. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The LORD's angel encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. The righteous cry, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. The LORD redeems the soul of his servants. None of those who take refuge in him shall be condemned.
Gospel
Matthew 21:28-32
But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first, and said, 'Son, go work today in my vineyard.' He answered, 'I will not,' but afterward he changed his mind, and went. He came to the second, and said the same thing. He answered, 'I'm going, sir,' but he didn't go. Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Most certainly I tell you that the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering into God's Kingdom before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn't believe him; but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. When you saw it, you didn't even repent afterward, that you might believe him.
A question for your journal
Where are you being invited to wait with more trust today?
Scripture text: World English Bible Catholic Edition, public domain. Reading citations are prepared for Come Aside from MIT-licensed citation metadata.
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