When we reflect on our daily use of words, we may become aware that we use the word “No” more than we use the word “Yes”.
It simply means that it is easier to say No than say Yes.
When we say No, we close all further discussions with no commitments made and no obligations to fulfill.
Even if we don’t say the word No, our disobedience to authority or defiance to a law is an expression of it.
But of course, the 1st reading tells of the price for disobedience and for the rebellious, and that is trouble.
Yes, trouble always comes with disobedience, and it is a lesson that we somehow have to learn over and over again.
For the tax collectors and the prostitutes in the gospel passage, they have known and paid the price for disobedience, and hence they were ready for repentance.
To say Yes to God means that we want to obey God and be committed to follow His ways and do His will.
To obey God would open ourselves to His blessings and we will have peace in our hearts and joy in our lives.