Read Matthew 21.23-32
http://www.biblegateway.com/
Walk the talk. So Jesus says in telling this parable of the two sons to the questioning Pharisees in the Temple. They have publicly challenged Jesus' authority to teach and heal, not to mention his driving out the moneychangers just before this scene in Matthew's gospel. Jesus very clearly draws a contrast between those who seemed to say "no" to God (i.e., the prostitutes and tax collectors) yet ultimately turned to Him, with those who seemed to say "yes" to God (i.e., the Pharisees and scribes) but who failed to live up to their talk. Those who walk the talk, even if they have at first rejected the ways of God, are those who have done the Father's will.
As we continue to prepare for the coming of the Messiah, it's a good time to examine our lives and ask ourselves the question - how are we responding to God's call on our lives? When have we said "yeah, yeah..." to God, offering only lip service without following through on our promise to obey? Can we accept that we have at times said a direct, or perhaps even an indirect, "No" to God - then test our hearts to instead turn and go in the way that He has called us? Now is the time to turn toward the Lord and follow where he leads us.
Today, November 30, is also the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle. His is a good example of joyful obedience to the Lord, and he models for us the way of walking the talk. He is best known for bringing his brother, Simon Peter, to meet the Lord - and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, let us look to Andrew as a great father in the faith, who let his "yes" be "yes".
Almighty God, who gave such grace to your apostle Andrew that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, and brought his brother with him; Give us, who are called by your holy Word, grace to follow him without delay, and to bring those near to us into his gracious presence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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