Jesus told a timely story in today’s Gospel about a son who said “no” to his father who asked him to go work in his field. Though the son was honest with his feelings, he felt bad that he refused to help his father. So, the scripture said: “but afterwards the son changed his mind and went.” This son was much more authentic than his brother, who first said “yes” to his father’s request, but did not go. Jesus asks the people: “Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “the first.” Isn’t it true that when we can change our mind to do the right thing, God is pleased with us? For example, when we sin, we are saying “no” to our Father in heaven, God. But when we repent, by saying we are sorry or by going to confession we are doing the right thing, and God immediately forgives us without question. Next weekend we are commemorating the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. As a young man, he said “no” a lot to the people in his life. He said “no” to his father who wanted him to inherit his business; he said “no” to the Church who wanted him to form a religious order, because so many people were following him. Though Francis gave in to the Pope and obeyed his wishes, he never gave in to considering his father’s wishes. This caused both to be separated from each other, which Francis regretted all his life. The point I am making is that when we are not open to changing our minds about people, or situations that we find difficult, we do not allow time for healing and reconciliation. To give in to someone or something that we love, and respect is a holy action that shows openness and a loving heart. We all struggle with this. Right now, in our own country for example, there is such division because of this unwillingness to change our minds at times. Maybe the need to feel that one is right is such a strong need, that it is almost impossible to change our minds. St. Francis had a most wonderful friend, Clare of Assisi. They grew up in the same town and were close friends. Clare helped Francis a great deal in choosing the right path for his Franciscan brothers. And Francis helped St. Clare to choose the right path for her Poor Clare nuns. We need spiritual friends, don’t we? Nobody gets to heaven on their own. Let’s celebrate the 800^th Anniversary of St. Francis, the patron saint of peace, by being open and willing to change our mind when we need to.

                                                                                               ~ Fr. John