Today Jesus offers the religious leaders a parable. It is about two sons who were asked by their father to go and work in his vineyard. One refused to go, but later repented and went. The other son said he would go, but did not. The question is then: "Which of the two did the will of his father?" The parable can be read on two levels. On a more general level, it is the common theme of the Gospel that doing is more important than mere words. "It is not those who just say, 'Lord, Lord' who will enter the KingdomˇK" The religious leaders are like the son who said 'Yes' to the Lord's word but did not follow it out in their lives. They were experts in the wording and interpretation of the Law. The sinners, tax collectors and prostitutes, who had constantly violated the Law of God, repented and changed their ways. It is clear which group is finding its way into the Kingdom. And what about us? Do we think that because we are practising Christians we are in a privileged and untouchable position? Probably, after some honest reflection, we would have to admit that we are not in a position to sit in judgment on others. Given the gifts and graces we have received as Christians, we may not be doing very well compared with those who have never enjoyed the support of a Christian faith and a Christian environment. As Christmas approaches, let us be truly followers of the Lord in deeds as well as words.