Today’s readings are all about making good choices. In the first reading God talks about fairness. If we do the right thing, that’s good, even if we have previously not done the right thing. We are capable of making good choices, even if we previously made bad choices. We are capable of doing the right thing, even if we didn’t in the past. We can change our minds, change direction, and do the right thing. But it works both ways. If we choose to do the wrong things, even if we have previously done the right thing, we are culpable for those bad choices as well.

We choose between right and wrong. We know the difference and make our own choice, and have to take responsibility for those choices. And our choices are actions and responsibilities. We can’t just say the right thing, we have to put action behind it.

Jesus tells a parable of two sons. The father asks the boys to work in the vineyard. One says no, but then changes his mind and ends up doing the right thing. He does go work in the vineyard. The other boy says that he will, but then he doesn’t actually do it. His lip service is not sufficient. He says the right thing but he doesn’t follow it up with good action. Jesus says the priests and elders are just saying what they think they should, but are not following up with good action.  They are not doing the right thing. He says that tax collectors and prostitutes will beat them to heaven. Bu how can sinners beat the priests to heaven? Those sinners are changing their ways. They are listening to the word and not just giving lip service but actually following Jesus now and doing the right thing. They may have previously made bad choices, but they are choosing now to turn from the wickedness they have committed, and do what is right and just.  They are making good choices and backing them up with good action.

Every day we have a choice. We can do the right thing, or not. We need to do what is right and just. We need to make the choice to do good, even if that is not a choice we previously made. We need to make the right choices and follow them up with right action.