In today’s Gospel, Jesus has entered Jerusalem and is in open conflict with the chief priests and the elders of the people. These religious leaders of the Jewish are likened to the second son in the parable who initially said “Yes” but then failed to follow through.
The chief priests and the elders seem to be blind to the message of God’s mercy and justice in their midst. Yes, they can answer the simple theoretical quiz Jesus puts to them about which son did the father’s will, but seem not to be able to put this response into practice. That is precisely why tax collectors and prostitutes will enter the Kingdom of God ahead of them, because the tax collectors and prostitutes could recognise in the call of John the Baptist a pattern of true righteousness. The challenge of balancing mercy and justice.
If our life in Christ means anything to you; if love can persuade at all, or the Spirit that we have in common, or any tenderness or sympathy, then be united in your convictions and united in your love, with a common purpose and a common mind (Philippians 2:1-2).
With these words, St Paul wrote to the Christian community of Philippi which we hear in today’s Second Reading. The characteristic note of this letter is joy. This is somewhat surprising, given that this letter was written while Paul was in prison, facing a charge that could have meant his death. But Paul had had a long and happy relationship with the Church of Philippi. They are not yet perfect, but still, later in this Letter, he will describe the Philippians as his joy and crown, in whom he hopes to boast on the day of judgement.
Paul’s reason for writing to the Church at Philippi seems to have been to thank them for their generosity. Their generosity in responding to the Gospel and their generosity personally to him.
“If love can persuade at all…” Christians in every age - just like the community at Philippi - are called to respond to the Gospel. All of us are asked to respond to the Gospel; to let love persuade. Will you let love persuade?
Extract: Pastoral Liturgy Vol 47 (3) 2017. Used with permission Copyright: School of Philosophy & Theology: The University of Notre Dame  Australia, Fremantle WA

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