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Readings for October 2, 2011
Isaiah 5:1-7
Philippians 4:6-9
Matthew 21:33-43
The parables of Jesus don't need another story to illustrate them, but they may need some explanation to us, who live in an urban culture today. We deal in money, not in grapes.
Both the readings from Isaiah and the Gospel of Matthew talk about vineyards, their fruits, and what we have to learn from them. Those who have been given everything they need, and yet insist on wanting more, taking from others, are like the produce of wild grapes. Given all that they need to grow in faith and love for God and others, they care only for themselves and what they have. They produce not good fruit, but useless, wild, sour weedy plants.
Those who tended the vineyard owner's land had their allotted portion of the grapes; the landowner sent his servants only for his share of the rent on the property. Yet, overcome by greed, the tenants wanted it all. They thought that by violence and murder of innocent people, they could keep what was not theirs. Even more shockingly, by murdering the heir, the son, they somehow thought that they could inherit the whole vineyard and its produce. How deluded they were. We see what happened to them. A just God brought them to the bad end towards which they chose to go. To put it in religious terms, those who disregarded the prophets (servants) and Christ (the son) to cling to the false attitudes which they cherished, chose their own bad end.
As noted, this is not about grapes, it is about greed, and wonton disregard for the generous love of God. Those who wish to have more, when what they have is more than sufficient for their needs, are greedy, and moreover, deluded into thinking that somehow, they will be able to keep what they have stolen from others. Jesus is quite clear that this will not be tolerated by a just and merciful God, who will give the whole of it to those who will produce good fruit in their work and in their lives. Those who did not want to hear this message, because it would require a change in their lives, slandered and killed the prophets, and finally crucified the Lord of Life. One wonders if the same thing is not happening today.
The beautiful reading from Paul to the Philippians shows us exactly how to live in the light of Christ. "Have no anxiety...the peace of God...will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." If we are guided by the mind of Christ, there can be no sin. We will live lives of joy in Christ's presence if we cultivate "whatever is true...honorable...just...lovely...gracious and very excellence. Indeed, anything "worthy of praise." If we keep doing what Paul has preached in Christ, we will indeed be worthy keepers of the vineyard of God. "Then the God of peace will be with you."
God of peace and all justice,
In your mercy, lead us to lives of seeking
all that is good and excellent, and free us from
every tendency towards greed and violence.
Keep us from all anxiety and fill us with your peace.
We ask this in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen
Kathleen Spears Hopkins holds degrees from The Catholic University of America and from the Catholic Theological Union. She is a freelance writer specializing in Theological Reflection.
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