But afterwards he changed his mind and went

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season : 3rd Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 21:28-32*

*First Reading : Zep 3:1-2, 9-13*

*But afterwards he changed his mind and went*

*1) Change of Mind*

It appears that the *Change* is the main theme of today's liturgy

In the first reading we hear about a city which refused to change the mind. As a result, the people in the city were not able to hear the voice of the Lord, they could not accept any corrections, people could not trust in the Lord, and they were not able to draw themselves towards God. Above all they were called Rebellious and polluted city.

*2) Change in Two sons*

The Gospel presents to us the parable of the two sons. 

The first son later changes his mind and does whatever was asked to do by the father. This change is towards perfection

The second son also changed his mind. But this change is not for Good or towards perfection, but change towsds disobedience, disrespect and towards destruction

So change either can be for good or for worst 

*3) Effect of Good Change*

There was a real and genuine change in the lives of tax collectors and the proustites. 

They listened the word of Jesus and Changed their heart and mind and tried their level best to live according to the standards of the Gospel

The effect was very powerful. As Jesus says *Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutesare entering the Kingdom of God before you.*

This is the power of change of heart and mind 

*4) Advent is for Change*

We are in the season of Advent. The main aim of advent is to prepare ourselves and wait for the Lord 

We can prepare ourselves only by changing our heart and mind. Change is at the centre of Advent. So we are supposed to change our heart and mind, so that Jesus may be born in our heart 

If so, what aspects of my life need to be changed? 

What is my perception about the change of my heart and mind? 

What are the challenges I encounter in the process of Change??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*