This Sunday, Jesus tells a short, uncomfortable story. A father asks two sons to go work in the vineyard. One says no, but later goes. The other says yes, but never shows up. It is a parable so simple, we almost miss how sharp it is. Jesus is clear about who it is for. This is not aimed at pagans or outsiders. It is aimed squarely at religious people, people who know the right words and sound obedient.

Dear Family of God,

What is grace? How did he merit grace for us?

He is so patient with us and wants us all to be in Heaven with him. He patiently calls and waits for each one of us to answer his call to repentance and holiness, to intimate relationship with Him. Sometimes we feel that God is not fair in his dealings with each one of us. We compare ourselves with others just like the early workers in the vineyard who complained God’s seemingly unfair wages to all the workers.

Dear Family of God,

Why the necessity to forgive our brothers or sisters?

St. James offers this warning: "For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy" (Jas 2:13). This means that Divine and human forgiveness go hand in hand. Everyone must be tireless in forgiving each other, both the petty and the serious; the charity of Christ demands it (CCC #2227).

Dear Family of God,

Why is fraternal correction necessary?

To correct an erring brother or sister, especially when they are young, is a form of love, we call them tough love. We care enough for them that we don’t want them to persist in error that will result in self-destruction or even lead them to prison in the long run.