Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13; Psalm 34; Matthew 21:28-32
The first reading tells us that “trouble is coming to the rebellious, the defiled and the tyrannical city! She would never listen to the call, would never learn the lesson; she has never trusted in the Lord, never drawn near to her God” (Zeph.1-2). With these words, Prophet Zephaniah presents to us the picture of a sinner. We are sinners; let us repent of our ways, draw near to God and ask for his help. Beloved, we can change and be saved from the shame that awaits us. In the parable of the two sons presented in the Gospel; we are charged to follow the footsteps of the first son in the parable – he was rebellious at first but later changed to do his father’s will. As we await Christ’s coming let us repent of our ways so that we can be saved. St. John of the Cross whose memorial we celebrate today reminds us that at the evening of life, we shall be judged.
LET US PRAY
O God, who gave the Priest Saint John an outstanding dedication to perfect self-denial and love of the Cross, grant that, by imitating him closely at all times, we may come to contemplate eternally your glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
