27th Sunday of Ordinary Times
Vineyard of the Lord
Readings for:27th Sunday of Ordinary Times, Year A
Reading 1 Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm Psalm 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20
Reading 2 Philippians 4:6-9
Gospel Matthew 21:33-43
REFLECTIONS:… from Father Daniel
Theme of the Sunday: The Vineyard of the Lord. The first reading and the Gospel use the image of a vineyard. Israel, says Isaiah, is the vineyard that the Lord loved, but it yielded on sour grapes. Jesus takes up that same image but with a difference. Isaiah says that the vineyard will be destroyed. Jesus states that the tenants will be replaced and the vineyard will be kept. These two readings, taken together, complement each other. The short passage from the letter to the Philippians can be connected to the theme of this Sunday. Paul insists on the concrete aspect of Christian life. The mark of authenticity of faith are the works of love; fruit that all appreciate.
Jesus told the story of the Vineyard to explain why he devotes time and energy to the poor and sinners. Because the chief priests and elders have rejected God’s messenger, and Jesus turns to those who will bear fruit. It seems that religious people today can be tempted with the same attitude that characterized chief priests and elders:complacency(contentment) in the underlying belief that we are God’s chosen people, that we have the truth, that we have our salvation guaranteed. This complacency shows itself in narrow-mindness, lack of creativity, lack of passion and smug self-assurance. The chosen people of Jesus’ era did not have a monopoly on those qualities. And, as the parable makes clear, if we do not choose to respond, God will find those who will, because we’re not in charge. Jesus quotes Psalm 118 verse 22-23, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;..” It tells us, although the owner’s son was rejected by the workers who thought they could steal the vineyard, they wouldn’t stand a chance against the owner of the vineyard. So, don’t be jealous with anyone. Don’t compete with anyone. Just focus on becoming the best version of yourself. Don’t give up. The beginning is always the hardest.
