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Commentary on the Gospel – December 16, 2025
Today’s Gospel continues in the 21st chapter of Matthew. The argument with the “leaders” of the people—those “perfect observers of the Law” (but only paying lip service)—triggered the decision that had been brewing for a while and eventually led to the Cross.
It might seem odd that these readings appear at the beginning of Advent, just when the streets are lighting up and the Advent wreaths are glowing in our churches to announce the Birth. But the truth is, the Child of Bethlehem, meek and humble of heart, was born precisely for this: to offer His life for the salvation of those who, with humble joy, accept that they are creatures who depend on Him, in need of forgiveness and salvation.
The son in the parable who rejects his father’s request but then changes his mind and gets to work represents the tax collectors and prostitutes: the “worst of the worst.” Yet, they were the ones who followed John and believed in the announcement of Christ’s arrival. The one who agrees and puts on a good face, but does nothing, is a hypocrite. The elders and wise men, whom Jesus confronts regarding their hardness of heart, belong to this class. They do not welcome Jesus and do not recognize Him as the Messiah, just as they rejected the Baptist’s announcement. Neither the Precursor nor the Savior fit into their lifestyle. They represented a risk: the risk of losing their social status, their power, their privileges, and their comfort.
It surprises me that Jesus does not threaten them with eternal condemnation; He only says they will not be the first in the Kingdom. And deep down, I think I am glad. Because on many occasions, I act like the son who says one thing and does another, yet the Lord’s patience with me never runs out.
What should we do? We must do something those “wise men” failed to do: believe in Jesus Christ. We must say, like the father of the epileptic boy: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Make me think as You want me to think, speak as You want me to speak, and act as You want me to act.