“I would prefer not to ...”

Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?”  Matthew 21:28–31

The Third Option

Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick, also wrote short stories. In, Bartleby, the Scrivener, a law office clerk—when asked to work—replies, “I would prefer not to.” His refusal is not rebellion but a quiet paralysis that unsettles everyone. Every one of us is Bartleby, when inertia reflects our spiritual stagnation. If souls do not follow the commandments and beatitudes, we say; “I would prefer not to.”

Words Without Works

In Matthew 21, one son says “no” but later obeys; the other says “yes” but fails to act. Bartleby is the second son only more honest and he never touches the vineyard. We risk being the second son and Bartleby in our faith—polite in profession, passive in practice.

Living the Law

Without a paycheck, Bartleby lives in the law offices’ contract-crypt. Meanwhile, Bartleby’s refusal reflects back the moral bankruptcy of words without works. Our salvation depends not on a ledger of words or intentions. Matthews’ retelling of the two sons parable is God asking us to—show love in actions, not in words.

Community Confrontation

Bartleby haunts his employers’ conscience, just as the parable haunts the chief priests. Bartleby’s employer tries to justify himself legally but fails morally. The priests claim fake righteousness. Do we? If not, do our confessions contain sins of omission when our preference is not to?

From Preference to Performance

As you can imagine, Bartleby's story does not end well. The first son, however, finds life by returning to the vineyard. This Gospel offers hope. Our initial “no” is not final. Through a healthy prayer life and open heart, grace transforms our reluctance into repentance. While Bartleby remains locked in his preferences, we still have time to allow Christ to call us into participation.

Prayer for Action

O Lord, we speak but fail to show. Our lips say yes, & some say no.
Like one son, we stall the hoe & linger where no fruit can grow.
We “prefer not” to heed Your call, & hide behind our holy guise.
If mercy meets our stubborn wall, let grace reopen blinded eyes.
If work awaits, the suff’ring’s near, if first we falter, still let's go.
O Spirit turn our refusal’s fear, to faithful deeds that devotion shows.
O Christ, who bore our grief and shame, transform our “no” to “yes” again.
Let Bartleby’s reluctant name, remind us where our hearts have lain.
Please grant us strength to act—not feign—to labor where the needs are known.
Till preference dies & our acts rain, and Heaven can crown the love we’ve shown.

Sources:

Bartleby the Scrivner | Gutenberg. org

Catholic Culture (2023). Pope's Reflection on Matthew 21:28–32

Catholic Daily Reflections. (2026, September 26). Action over Words. My Catholic Life!

St Ignatius Catholic Community (2026). The Parable of the Two Sons: Matthew 21:28–32