Jesus calls us to do the Father’s will through the parable of the two sons called to work in his vineyard.

The risk is that tax collectors and sinners will take precedence in the Kingdom of God, because, having repented, they are in fact doing his will, unlike those who say but do not do.

Thus Francis, a true lover and imitator of Him, sees in his own life and in that of his friars the first fruits of the Kingdom of God drawing near, in the face of events that speak the language of the Creator Himself.

In the Sources we find passages that point to the signs of the believer’s maturation:

«We are spouses when the faithful soul is united to our Lord Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We are his brothers when we do the will of the Father who is in heaven.

We are mothers when we carry him in our hearts and bodies through divine love and a pure and sincere conscience; we bring him forth through holy works, which must shine forth to others as an example» (FF 168/2. Letter to the Faithful).

Likewise, Francis saw in his illness and death the coming Kingdom of God and his journey in accordance with God’s will.

As he neared death, he raised his head and addressed his brothers thus:

“Then the Saint raised his hands to Heaven, glorifying his Christ, for he could go to Him without hindrance of any kind.

But to show that in everything he was a perfect imitator of Christ his God, he loved his friars and sons—whom he had loved from the very beginning—right to the end […]

Then, whilst all the friars were gathered round him, he stretched out his right hand over them and placed it on the head of each one, beginning with his vicar:

«Farewell - he said - all you, my sons; live in the fear of the Lord and remain in it always!

And since the hour of trial and tribulation is drawing near, blessed are those who persevere in what they have undertaken!

For I am hastening towards God and entrust you all to His grace».

And he blessed not only those present but also all the friars, wherever they might be in the world, and all those who would come after them until the end of time” (FF 806).

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, year A  (Mt 21:28–32)