By Andrea Bear

“Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” ~Matthew 21:31

“Dear God, I don’t know how I’m going to manage coaching three volleyball teams. I keep getting into this rhythm of overcommitment. How do I know what is right to do and what I should say no to? Please hear my prayer. Mary Most Prudent, pray for me.” 

This was the prayer I said on the day I realized my volunteering had been overexerted. What was I thinking? I was smart enough to know one team was a lot of work, let alone two. So why three? Since I had coached two teams in the past and everyone knew me as “the helpful volunteer,” I justified taking on a third. But the bigger question that loomed in my mind was why could I not say no? With a full-time job and a family, my physical exhaustion and lack of time was pointing out to me that I was not capable of managing three, nor would I properly serve my players.

Answered Prayers?

 A week later, the 2020 pandemic and global lockdown would ensue, and I would be forced to stop working and coaching. I don’t believe my prayer caused a global pandemic, but I do believe God knew that something so large-scale would be a key way to get my attention and help me evaluate my yeses. 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus points out to the Pharisees that the kingdom of Heaven is not looking for perfect people who say yes to everything and only appear holy. “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you” (Matthew 21:31).

Discern Your “Yes”

Jesus shows us that He is less concerned with shallow yeses or perfect appearances, and more concerned with our interior. The work can’t be done if our own pride and ego lead us to believe that we must fix and take care of everything. If we say yes to everything, the devil can use this to distract us from saying the right yes to what God calls us to do. Through prudence and charity, it is important to discern where God wants to use us. Like the first servant, a “no” can be more powerful, if followed with the right action. We learn to discern which is which by quieting our minds in prayer and listening for God to guide us through the vineyard.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help us discern to hear Your voice, even if we can’t hear it right away. Direct us to be prudent and give our yes, where and when You want us to. May our actions always come from love, not out of pride or self glory. We ask for your Blessed Mother to intercede and help direct us. Mary Most Prudent, pray for us. Amen.

Call to Action:

If you find that you’re in a busy season of life, reflect on where God is calling you to serve, even if that means a few no’s so that you can do the right yes. 

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