Friday, September 13 (August 31), 2024
1Cor. 16:4-12; Mt. 21:28-32

In the parable of the two sons [Mt. 21:28-30] the second son quickly said “Yes, I go”, ─ and never went.  This is an image of all half-baked good intentions which never come to fruition due to lack of resolve, will and determination. An easy-going heart is ready to pick up any opportunity to do good, but a soft and lazy will would refuse action quite soon. 

This kind of infirmity is nearly universal.  How could we avoid such disloyalty to ourselves and to others? Quite simply: don’t start anything without doing your homework ─ that is, without first giving it a serious thought, whether you have enough resources to complete it.  That’s exactly what the Lord demands from us in the parables of making war and building a tower [Lk. 14:28-32].

What should we calculate, first of all?  As the Lord suggests, we ought to have enough self-denial and persistence.  Look carefully: do you have these supplies needed for every laborer in the field of doing good?  If yes, then go ahead with your undertaking; if no, make sure to stock them up.  As long as you  have them in stock, you will be able to overcome any difficulty or obstacle on your way to the goal you have set, to accomplish what you have planned.

Calculation does not mean dropping a job if it seems too hard; it means getting prepared and inspired for any job.  That will give you the necessary firmness of will and steadiness in action, so that you will never follow the bad example of the son who said “Yes, I go”, ─ and never went.

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