Readings:
1st Reading; Isaiah 5 : 1 – 7
Responsorial Psalm; Ps. 79 : 9, 12-16, 19-20.
2nd Reading;Philippians 4 : 6 – 9.
Gospel; Matthew 21 : 33 – 43.

The first reading and the Gospel are talking about a vineyard on a fertile hill which was a common scene in Israel at the time. The parables used in the Bible are earthly stories with heavenly meanings. The vineyard ‘owner’ is God and the ‘vineyard’ is Israel. The ‘servants’ God sent into His vineyard are the prophets and His ‘son’ is Jesus. The ‘tenants’ are the chief priests and the leaders of Israel whom Jesus is addressing. In the first reading from Isaiah, God’s judgment falls on the vineyard for not producing the desired fruit while in Jesus’ parable, the focus is on the tenants who prevent the owner from receiving the fruits of the vineyard. In the Gospel of Matthew, it appears that Jesus, the Son of the vineyard owner is rejected by the people as a whole, whereas in reality, it is their corrupt leadership that is at fault, although as often happens in world history, the leadership brings tragedy on a nation. Both readings show God’s patience and long–suffering as really divine. No human landlord would put up with such repeated insolence and barbarity.

Instead of avenging himself after the first treatment of his servants by the tenants, God still sends His Son, hoping that the tenants would respect His Son who is more than the prophets. God desires the fruit of the vineyard so much that He is willing to risk His own son. The obstinate tenants maltreat and kill the Son. Jesus by saying this is foretelling His own death. The vineyard owner passes judgment by seizing His vineyard and giving it to ‘other tenants’. These other tenants are the Apostles and the Church which Jesus promised. This Church composes of both Jews and gentiles.

What meaning does this parable give us? We can learn at least four things from this parable. The parable sounds the complete point of salvation from the Old to the New covenant which God has with man. Second, the parable confirms that Jesus is the Son of God. Third the parable affirms that the Apostles are the new leaders. It also tells us about God’s great patience and our accountability to God and that the final judgment will be just and we shall be rewarded according to how well we shall have performed our tasks in the vineyard.

Apart from showing God’s patience and long-suffering, the readings also show His generosity and trust. The vineyard is equipped with everything the tenants need. Applying this to ourselves, God has provided us with everything necessary and likewise trusts us enough to give us freedom to run life as we choose. He entrusts each of us with His gifts of grace and talents and He gives each of us a particular task to do in His vineyard.

Business people talk of outsourcing when they entrust part of their responsibilities/ tasks to others to perform for the smooth functioning of their businesses. Trust means that, we believe that the other person will see with the same eyes and mind like us and care for the collective good of the business in question. This is the kind of trust, God our creator has for us. We have had the same trust for our associates and partners. Christianity demands that Christians uphold trust in each other. It is a shame to Jesus when a person calls himself/herself a Christian, caring about when he/she goes to Church, prays and how he/she observes Christian rituals but turns around and does something so flagrantly dishonest to those who trusted him.

In the second reading, Paul tells us what we as Christians need to do to be able to bear fruit, good fruit and not sour fruit, in the vineyard of the Lord. Prayer and thanksgiving should be part of us. Also we are asked to fill our hearts with truth, nobility, purity, love, honour, and all virtues that are worthy of praise.

God has put us in His vineyard. Maybe you are a tenant, a servant or a vine. As a husband, wife or a community member, God has planted you to bear fruit of love, justice, and peace. God has planted you on this earth and fenced you around with the love of family and friends. Their care towers over you. In the shelter of this tower, you are growing in safety and peace. You may be already filled up with leaves and putting out early blossoms. Your family and friends have great hope for you. God has great hope for you. But now the years of your life are passing. The harvest time is approaching. What fruit have you to show? What if, after all this care, you have nothing to offer but sour grapes? Jesus will turn round to tell you too that you have rejected Him, the corner stone.

A Little Prayer.

Lord Jesus, thank you for all the gifts you have given me and for bearing the pains and the insults I have meted out on you. May You Lord have mercy on me and with your patient urging, help me to produce the fruits of love. May your Holy Spirit lead me to bear this good fruit in your vineyard and make me to persevere in using my gifts and my talents for the benefit of your Kingdom and those around me. Amen.

Have a Blessed Week!
Bobe Talla Toh.