In the gospel reading for today, Matthew 21:28-32, we meet two sons, and we might think that they both dishonored their father. One publicly refused to do what his father asked but later did; the other agreed but then didn’t do what he said he would.
In a very public culture that is based on honor, the son who, in our way of thinking, lied, was the honorable one. The one who changed his ways and actually did the task was not. His later obedience wasn’t public. His disrespect was, and that disrespect damaged his father’s reputation.
Looking at another reading for today, Philippians 2:1-5, we see that along with honor, humility was an important quality. People were advised to live in love, in unity. Each was encouraged to humble themselves rather than act as if they were better than others.
Of course, we know they didn’t always follow their expectations, as today’s readings show us. However, we can learn from this. What would their world have been like, and what would our world be like if all leaders and people were to speak honorably and act humbly before others?