Things to Ponder
I use this page to share messages of an inspirational nature, or simply something to ponder. It is my hope that you will always be inspired.
*********
Homily Reflections -Matthew 21:33-43 - 27th Week in Ordinary Time
______________________________________________________________
Introduction: Are You Listening? To Whom?
This weekend’s Gospel follows directly after last Sunday’s Gospel in which Jesus was questioned by Jewish religious leaders about the source of his teaching authority. After refusing to answer their questions, Jesus told the parable of the two sons.
In this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus once again speaks to the priests and elders with a parable. In this parable, the landowner leases his vineyard to tenants and sends his servants to collect the portion of the harvest that the tenants owe to him. Several times the servants are sent to collect payment, and each time they are beaten and killed by the tenants. Finally, the landowner sends his son to collect his rent. The tenants, believing that they will inherit the vineyard if the landowner dies without an heir, plot together and kill the landowner’s son.
After telling this parable, Jesus questions the chief priests and elders about what the landowner will do to the wicked tenants. They all agree that the landowner will kill the wicked tenants and give the land to new tenants who will pay the rent.
In telling this story, Jesus is clearly drawing upon Isaiah 5:1-7, which is the first reading – which the religious leaders would have known well. They would have even understood the symbolism behind the parable. The vineyard represented Israel. The landowner represented God. The servants represented the prophets. And the tenants represented them – the religious leaders! As can be seen, Jesus “holds no punches!” He tells it like it is.
Jesus concludes this dramatic story by emphasizing that the Kingdom of Heaven will be taken from the unbelieving and given to the faithful. In the end, the religious elders have condemned themselves with their answer to Jesus’ question. Bulls-eye!
Clearly this Gospel shows the escalating tension between Jesus and the religious leaders, who thought that his message was way too dangerous. Plus, they were unable to “control” him.
In conclusion, this Gospel reminds us of the importance of listening to God’s word. God speaks to us in many diverse ways – through Scripture, through our Church tradition, in our Church’s teaching, and through modern-day prophets. This Gospel leaves you and me with this question: Are we attentive and receptive to God’s word to us through these messengers?
I would invite you to take time to read and ponder the words from the Gospel of Matthew 21:33-43.
What word or words caught your attention?
What in this passage comforted you?
What in this passage challenged you?
Who are some modern-day prophets who speak to you? Are you listening? What do you hear?
Further Questions and Reflections:
Every one of us has been given a vineyard by God. Our families, our communities, our work, our school, our parish are all parts of our vineyard. God does not exclude anyone from their vineyard. People exclude themselves by failing to tend the vineyard they have been given. You and I are called by God to produce good fruit in this vineyard. How are we using the gifts God has given us to help others?
We are the tenants in the parable. We are provided by God with everything we need to make our vineyard prosper. God gives us the freedom—the creativity, imagination, and wisdom—to run the vineyard as we choose. We have been graced with much trust. But, in the end, it is God’s vineyard.
Jesus came unto his own – and his own did not receive him. How do you think Jesus felt in being rejected by his own people? How did he handle rejection? How do you and I respond to rejection?
One of the saddest statements in the Gospels is the comment of the father: “They will respect my son.” What would happen if Jesus came into our world today? Would he be respected? Rejected?
Deacon David
Deacon David Suley
St. Andrew Apostle Catholic Church
Silver Spring, Maryland
Published with Permission
*******************************************************
Psalm 23 - Trust God to Lead You Beside Still Waters
*******************************************************
___________________________________________________________________________________
ORDER:
PIERRE'S CHOICE
SEVEN LETTERS TO HEAVEN
|
