Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 / Matthew 21:28-32
It takes a lifetime to build a good reputation, and it only takes a moment to destroy it.
In order to have a good reputation, we must be consistent in honesty, integrity and being trustworthy.
And this is not only in our personal life, but also in our work and in other business interactions.
But a good reputation can be rather fragile and difficult to maintain.
Just one bad action or decision can bring down a good reputation and that failing will be remembered for a long time.
It is like not being careful in watching our step and stepping on a banana peel or an oily patch and then go tumbling down.
Though we have only ourselves to blame, yet we must also be aware that we are prone to weakness and fall into sin.
In the gospel, Jesus rebuked the chief priests and elders for not heeding the message of repentance.
Even the sinners like the tax collectors and prostitutes believe the message of John the Baptist and doing something about their lives.
Let us not be too sure of ourselves and think we can be good always.
Let us remember that pride comes before the fall.
And when we fall, let us remember the love of God and ask for forgiveness.