In track competition, sometimes a sprinter is described as “strong out of the blocks but weak to the finish.” We can picture an explosive start followed by running out of gas. Often, the natural world provides relevant metaphors for our spiritual life. “When a virtuous man turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die” (Ez 18:26). This is not the route we want to follow. The Lord teaches us that he who perseveres to the end will be saved (see Mt 24:13).
Since the Lord is abundantly merciful, it is never too late.  Jesus, in today’s Gospel, paints a picture of family life. It is a scene repeated throughout history: One son speaks disrespectfully to his father but does the right thing; the other son pays lip service, while dissenting in his heart. “What do you think of this case?” (Mt 21:28ff) Jesus poses this question to the chief priests and elders, leaders of the people in His day. But we must challenge ourselves in the same way. Have we become disobedient? “When John came preaching a way of holiness, you put no faith in him; but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did believe in him. Yet even when you saw that, you did not repent and believe in him” (Mt 21:32).
Possibly a dose of humility would do us good (see Phil 2:3). Don’t limp to the finish line! Repent and get back on track. Run to Confession.

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from October 1, 2020 through November 30, 2020. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio February 25, 2020"

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