Today’s Gospel from Matthew, which featured the Parable of the Vineyard, was directed by Jesus to the chief priests and elders of the people, but it is also meant for us. Through the lens of the relationship of landowner and tenants, it raises the question “What do we owe God?” and, “Are we caring for those He has entrusted to us?”
In the time of Jesus, a landowner could have tenants who would be responsible for a vineyard when he was away. The tenants would agree to give the majority of the crop to the landlord in exchange for a place to live and some money. In this parable, Jesus addresses the priests and elders who likewise were entrusted with the care of something precious to their master, God’s people. However, the tenants in this parable have not given their just portion of the vineyard’s fruit.
God Sends Prophets
Eventually, the landlord sends his servants to collect what is due, but they are beaten, stoned, and killed. Jesus was drawing the parallel between God sending the prophets, like Isaiah, calling the people of Israel to repent, but who were persecuted by the leaders of the people.
In giving multiple chances and then finally sending his only son, the generous mercy of God is shown. Jesus is the Son of God who was sent after the rejection and persecution of the prophets. In the parable, there’s the foreshadowing of the chief priests turning over Jesus to the Romans, who will take Him outside the walls of the city and put Him to death.
Tending the Vineyard
Bishop Robert Barron, in a reflection on this Gospel, asks, “How are we tending the vineyard (God has given to us)? (Lenten Gospel Reflections, p. 47)
He continues, “God has given us so much, but are we making the world fruitful…are we responding to the Lord’s invitation with works of justice, love, peace, chastity, and respect for others, or are we figuratively killing the messengers?” (Lenten Gospel Reflections p. 47)
That’s a good question to ponder as we journey in this Lenten Season…what are we returning to God in our daily lives? How are we caring for our family members and others whom God has entrusted us to us?
Admittedly, this can be overwhelming or discouraging to examine.
The Little Way
This is where St. Therese of Lisieux can be of help. In her spirituality of the “Little Way,” St. Therese recommends the gift of the simple acts of love offered to God each day.
St. Therese reminds us that the "Little Way" of life seeks to do ordinary things with extraordinary love. This includes making time to pray, go to Confession and Mass, seek out people in need, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually, and offer our prayers, assistance, and friendship.
At its core is the response to God’s Son, who has come to save us. What do we owe God? Everything we have, including our obedience and trust, that He wants us to bear great fruit in our lives and help our families and friends to do the same.
- To view the Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
