The Absence of the Third Son

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season:  Third Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel :  Mt 21:28-32*

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

*Responsorial Psalm : 34: 2-23*

*The Absence of the Third Son*

*1) Why Is There No Third Son?*

*A) Parables Are Purposefully Incomplete*

Jesus’ parables are not moral fables presenting ideal behavior; they are provocations meant to expose the listener. 

Including a “perfect” third son (who says yes and does yes) would:

Soften the confrontation

Allow listeners to admire an ideal rather than locate themselves in the story

By omitting the third son, Jesus forces to have only two choice: Which of these two did the will of the Father? The hearers must judge—and in judging, condemn themselves (cf. Mt 21:31).

*B) The Parable Is About Conversion, Not Perfection*

The core theme is repentance (metanoia). The first son embodies conversion: refusal → regret → obedience.

The second son embodies religious complacency: profession → resistance → disobedience.

A third son who obeys consistently would shift the focus to moral excellence, whereas Jesus’ concern is responsiveness to God’s call.

*C) The Immediate Context Explains the Absence*

Jesus is speaking to: Chief priests and elders (Mt 21:23). Those who believed they had already “said yes” to God

A third son would allow them to say: *“Yes, that’s us.”* Jesus denies them that escape.

*2) Who Would the Third Son Be?*

If we imagine a third son hypothetically, his character would be:

Says “Yes” freely and sincerely

Acts immediately and faithfully

Requires no repentance because there is no rupture

*Theologically, this son represents:* 

Integrated obedience (word and deed united)

Unbroken alignment with the Father’s will

*But here is the crucial insight:*

No human being fully fits this role.

In Christian theology, only Jesus himself perfectly says “Yes” and does the Father’s will: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me.” (Jn 4:34)

Thus, the third son is absent because he is not a category among sinners—he is the Son telling the parable.

*3) Theological Reflections*

*A) The Third Son Is Christological*

The absence subtly points to Christ: 

He does not need repentance

His “Yes” is total, faithful, and salvific

He is the obedient Son (Phil 2:8)

The parable exposes human inconsistency in contrast to Jesus’ obedience, without naming it explicitly.

*B) Grace Is Needed Because We Are Not the Third Son*

The parable refuses the illusion that we can simply “be better.” .Instead, it teaches:

We live either in repentance or in self-deception

The kingdom is entered through conversion, not credentials

*C) The Greater Sin Is Refusal to Change*

The second son’s tragedy is not failure but immutability.

The first son sins, but remains open.

The absence of the third son emphasizes that: God works with broken people, not finished ones.

*4) Applications to the Present-Day Context*

*A) In the Church*

Structures, vows, and liturgy can become the second son’s “yes”

True discipleship requires ongoing conversion

The absence of a third son warns against: Clericalism, Institutional self-satisfaction, Moral superiority

*B) In Personal Spirituality*

Modern believers often seek: 

Instant perfection

Curated holiness

Public “yes” with private resistance

This parable affirms:

Struggle + repentance > flawless appearance

God values trajectory more than performance

*C) In Society and Leadership*

Leaders promise service but resist accountability

Marginalized people often live the values they never preach

God’s judgment prioritizes doing justice over claiming righteousness.

*5) Final Insight*

The absence of the third son is itself the message:

We are not saved by being ideal, but by being convertible

The only perfect Son is Christ

The question Jesus leaves us with is not:

“Are you the good son?”

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*