Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 / Matthew 21:28-32
To act on impulse is often a rash and a brash act that does not reflect well of a person's character.
To act like this often results in regrettable consequences that may have other negative ripple effects.
In the parable that Jesus told in the gospel, the first son's response to his father's request is certainly not one of obedience or respect for his father.
It was a flat "No" with no other considerations at that moment. Certainly, if we were the father in the parable, we would be disappointed and even get angry with that son.
But when the man went and said the same thing to the second son, the response was certainly sweet and pleasing to the ears, something that we would also like to hear whenever we ask a favour from others.
But words must be expressed in actions, for actions always speak louder than words.
As for ourselves, we may have said "Yes" to our elders' or superiors' requests but did we follow up with the appropriate action?
On the other hand, we may have been rash and brash and said "No" to those whom we think don't really matter when they ask us for help.
But as the first son thought better of it, let us also think better of our response to others. Especially to those who don't seem to matter much to us. Jesus may just be asking us to help them, for when we do it the least, the last and the lowly, we do it to Jesus.