A Living Yes

 

Readings 121625 

As a pre-teen—
and even into my early teens—
I had a favorite escape from the heat of summer.

I would go to the movies.

Back then, the theater opened in the morning
and stayed open all day.

My brothers and I could sit there for hours,
watching the same film again and again.

In many ways,
the movies became our babysitter.

They were cool.
Controlled.
Safe.

And for us,
they were an escape—
from boredom,
from the heavy heat,
from the long stretch of summer days.

We would go,
settle into those seats,
and lose ourselves in the fantasy on the screen.

Many people think faith works the same way—
that it’s an escape hatch,
something we reach for
when life feels too heavy.

But real faith
is not an escape from the world.

Real faith
is a deeper entry into it.

It is the quiet discovery
that God is already present
in the ordinary moments of our day,
waiting for us to notice.

Jesus gives us this truth
in the parable of the two sons.

One son says the right words
but never acts.

The other says “no” at first,
but something in him shifts.

His heart changes.
He turns.
And he goes.

This simple story
carries a strong message for us in Advent:

God is not moved by polished promises.

God is moved by movement—
by the turning of the heart,
by the willingness to begin again.

So often,
we fear that our hesitations,
our distractions,
our sins
have pushed us outside the vineyard.

But the first son reminds us:
it is never too late to step in.

God does not ask for perfection.

God asks for repentance—
for that holy moment
when we stop,
breathe,
and choose a new direction.

And the vineyard Jesus speaks of?
It is your own heart.

A garden entrusted to your care.

When our hearts become crowded—
with noise,
anxiety,
resentment,
or endless distraction—
there is little room
for the Christ who longs to dwell within.

Advent invites us to clear that space.

To gently pull away
what chokes our peace.

To make room
for the One who comes—
quietly,
humbly,
faithfully.

Advent is not passive waiting.

It is active clearing.

It is the courage to stand before God and say:
“Lord, I am here. I will go.”

So today,
do not be discouraged
by the times you have said “no,”
or “not now,”
or “maybe later.”

Let this be the moment
your “no” bends
into a humble, living “yes.”

Let us clear the clutter,
quiet the noise,
and turn our desire
toward the One thing necessary.

For when we seek God alone,
we discover—again and again—
that in Him,
we already have everything.

Prayer

Lord,
clear a space in my heart for You.
Quiet the noise, calm the worry,
and turn my hesitation into a humble yes.

Help me begin again today.
Make room in me for Christ,
who comes quietly, faithfully,
and always in love.

Amen.