Scripture: "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. Matthew 28:28-31

Prayer: My life is replete with instances of repentance, so I can easily identify with the first son. Help me more and more be a son where my initial response is followed through with action, responding to the Lord's will for me.

Response: True repentance is measured in the internal dialogue that takes place between the first denial and the acceptance of the Lord's will for you in life, as well as the time that elapses before one's clarity of purpose sounds clearly. Isn't it so that you would have the Lord believe that you did not hear His will expressed, perhaps because you were distracted or so busy? But isn't it true also that it was your self-absorption that contributed to your reluctance to be whom you were ordained to become. Isn't it like pausing at a refreshment stop in the course of a long race, and not resuming the journey?

Think of the many stops you made before you realized that life is not standing idly by refreshing oneself. Now, that realization did not just happen, but rather is evidence of the Holy Spirit nudging you forward into areas of life not previously explored: like marriage, parenting, death-loss, love—always love, aging. And all the time, it might seem, or once seemed, attractive to linger in denial, but then comes that grace-filled nudge that has you back on the path, more determined than ever to complete the journey.

See if today you can run the race without stopping; that is, by seeing with heart-eyes those you encounter who are despondent or discouraged and to whom you respond by listening or to praying for their intention; by overcoming grief and despondency with joyous blessings; by exhibiting generosity that defies the logic of this world.