Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Today we have two readings that use the image of a vineyard. In the First Reading, a man gave his all for his vineyard, clearing the field of stones, planting choice vines on the hillside, building a watchtower to protect it from thieves, and finally getting ready for the fruit of the vine by building a wine press. When he came looking for a crop of sweet, juicy grapes, he found only “wild grapes.” In other words, he got only sour grapes for his efforts.
In the Gospel, Jesus also tells the story of a vineyard. He tells of a landowner who also gives great effort to his vineyard, and because he goes on a journey, he leases it out to tenants, from whom he expected some type of return. When he sends his representatives to collect some of the produce (as was his right), “one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned.” Finally, he sends his son, but they kill him too, thinking that they now can own what is not rightfully theirs. Of course, the owner of both vineyards, is God. The son who is rejected by the tenants is Jesus.
What to make of this?
We are called to take care of the blessings that God has given to us. He is the true owner of everything we enjoy. So, we must be stewards of the Church, of God’s People, of the sacraments, of the environment, and of life itself. When Jesus comes looking for the fruit of our labor done in the world that belongs to his Father, will he find a warm welcome and an abundant return?
Have a blessed week everyone.