A Christian missionary in the Middle East used to share today’s parable about the two sons (only verses 28-30) with villagers that he visited and ask: “Which was the better son?” The vast majority answered that the son who said yes to his father, even though he did not go to work in the vineyard, was without doubt the better son. The son’s reply was honourable and respectful. It was what the father wanted to hear. Honour was what mattered most to them.  The other son may have done what his father wanted, but he failed to show due respect.  This was not how Jesus saw things.  His pointed parable is aimed at the Pharisees, who honour God outwardly, but fall down on the law of love by despising the tax collectors and sinners, even when they try to repent and make amends.  Our Father does not need the outward honour of lip-service.  What he asks of us is for our own good.  If we pay just lip service it is ourselves we let down.  If we respond, even late in the day, Our Father will reward us.