The parable of two sons is specifically directed to the Pharisees and Sadducees who claimed hegemony on God’s Kingdom. Because of their Biblical traditions, Hebrews boasted of being chosen by God. Many a time, God referred to them as His first born, but the Hebrews believed that they were the only ‘child of God’ (Ex 4:22).
In today’s parable, Jesus spoke about the two children of God. The first born said ‘yes’ to God’s will. Israelites always believed that Abraham’s ‘yes’ in faith had made them children of God. Israelites listened to the word of God and responded to the call to become God’s first born.
The second son represents the pagans. Jews equated pagans with dogs. It is very provocative on Jesus’ part to elevate pagans to being children of God. Jesus wants to disturb the thinking of the Jews, who are totally against the mercy and justice of God. Jesus wants to show them that God is the loving Father for all of humanity.
Jesus strongly sends the message to the Jewish leaders that no one has dominion over His Father’s Kingdom. The second son (gentiles) may have said ‘no’ to God’s call to hear His word and do His will, but later repented and fulfilled God’s will. On the other hand, the first son (Hebrews) took for granted God’s gifts and failed to respond to His will.
Matthew wrote this parable 50 years after the death and resurrection of Christ. At that time, the Christian communities were predominantly made up of pagans. They were not the first ones to hear the Good News. When the Jews rejected the message of Christ, the disciples (St. Paul) turned to the pagans and preached the message of hope and salvation (Acts 14:46) to them. The gentiles took seriously the preaching of the disciples and became an integral part of the community of believers.
We find these two sons even in the church. In baptism we willingly say ‘yes’ to God’s call of salvation. But as the days pass, due to worldly pressures and human desires, our initial ‘yes’ gradually turns into ‘no’. We do become the children of God through baptism and living the life of baptism we confirm our inheritance to God’s Kingdom. How good it will be, if we become the combination of both sons and say ‘yes’, and keep the promise.
–Fr. Ranjan D’Sa OCD