It remains one of the great mysteries of the Gospel, how God could have prepared the chosen people - the Jews - so long and so lovingly for the coming of the Messiah in whom their history was to culminate, only for them to fail at the moment of decision. The pronouncement of Zephaniah of "trouble brewing" is reiterated further in the shocking paradox, Jesus uses, that "the tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you." Jesus, who has come to the end of His ministry in this passage of St Matthew's Gospel, does not mince His words to the chief priests and elders who: "never listen to the call... would never learn the lesson ... never trusted in Yahweh...never draw near to their God." (Zephaniah).

The repentant tax collectors and prostitutes however hear God's word through John the Baptist and Jesus. They are held up as models for us: "In your midst I will leave a humble and lowly people." They are the poor in spirit, without any pretentions - the anawim who depend totally on God, unlike the religious authorities and elders who have condemned themselves by their self-righteous attitudes.

The parable of the two sons is yet another severe warning shot in their direction. God keeps trying to woo us to His ways of thinking and doing. Are we ready to respond?