Two of today’s readings focus onindividual responsibility and its corollary that our actions matter. First, Ezekiel challenges the Israelites to adjust their understanding of fairness. During this time of Babylonian captivity, the people complained that God’s ways were unfair. But Ezekiel quotes the Lord’s own words to make them understand, that it is their own actions that created their problems. By turning from virtue to wickedness, they are dealing unfairly with the Lord who wants only good things for them. They can preserve their life by taking individual responsibility for turning away from sin and back to God, who lovingly waits to welcome them back. In the Gospel parable, the second son represents religious leaders who said all the pious things but took no action to repent and change their lives. The first son who initially refuses to obey his father’s orders represents the religious outcasts of the time (prostitutes and tax collectors) who were lost in sin until they heard John the Baptist’s call to repentance and truly changed their lives. The message is clear. Actions speak louder than words. Jesus hates sin but loves the sinner who repents. Imperfect as they were, the prostitutes and tax collectors left sin behind, to work in the vineyard of God’s kingdom. The religious leaders said the “right” things and earnestly spoke of good works but didn’t put their words into action. These readings call us to examine our own faith and how we put our faith into action. Do we take responsibility for our own actions and turn to God when our lives face difficult challenges? Do we get angry at God and blame Him for not being fair? Do we engage in our faith by performing good works in the vineyard of God’s kingdom? Are we making God’s commandments the foundation of our everyday life? These are not easy questions to answer, but as disciples we are called to respond.