The Jews believed that people suffered for their ancestor’s sins. Ezekiel demolishes this belief asserting that it is possible for a sinner to repent and be saved. He challenges Israel to take responsibility for her actions and make the necessary changes.

The Gospel takes up this question in parabolic form. The first son represents the notorious sinners of Jesus’ day - tax-collectors and prostitutes - who, though sinners, repented at the preaching of John the Baptist and did what is right. The second son represents Israel’s leaders who refused to repent at John’s preaching. Both Ezekiel and Jesus proclaim the same message – take responsibility for your sins, repent in humility and do what is right!

Paul gives us the perfect example of humility – Jesus himself, who “though He was God, humbled himself becoming obedient unto death on a cross!”

The way back to the Father is to have the “mind of Christ” or, in practical terms, Jesus’ attitude.