"What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' He said in reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did his father's will?" They answered, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him. (Mt 21:28-32)
These days’ readings are taken in such a way we are assisted to reflect upon John the Baptist. There is always some link with the person of John the Baptist. John the Baptist came into the world to prepare the way of the Lord. In fact he was sent by God (there was a man called John who was sent from God – Jn 1:6). John testified to him and cried out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.'" (Jn 1:15)
The prime duty of John was to bear witness. He bore witness to Jesus saying that Jesus was with God and Jesus was greater than him and John was not worthy even to bend down to untie his shoes. In bearing witness to Jesus, John realizes his own self and his relationship with him. He accepts in reality and in humility that he is only the voice in the wilderness.
Those who believed in the preaching of John and repented form their sinful ways and turned towards God are in the kingdom. It is not the status of the person or the position of the person which is important rather it the repentant heart and the following of God is that which gives entry into the kingdom.
