In our reading today they speak of harvesting grapes in a vineyard. How appropriate as we are in fall, the harvest season. Today is also the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. He saw God in all creation, animals as well as earth and sky. Pope Francis is especially concerned about the environment and how we do or don’t take care of it. God calls us to work in the vineyard, each doing our part to ensure a good harvest.
In the selections from Isaiah and Matthew, the vineyards are in poor shape. In Isaiah’s case, the vineyard is prepared well, but ends up being overrun by wild grapes. In Matthew, Jesus tells a parable of a landowner whose vineyard is commandeered by greedy tenants who abuse and kill the landowner’s representatives. Finally, he sends his son who is also killed.
One of the insights the parable tells us is our position in this world. We are only tenant farmers. It’s his vineyard, his world. We are share-croppers who really do not own anything. If we fail to recognize that, truly we are not fooling anyone but ourselves.
The other truth contained in this parable is that we must pay rent or lose the lease. There is accountability to God. Our life is God’s gift to us and what we do with it is our gift to God. If not, the Kingdom will be taken from us and given to a people who will yield a rich harvest. We pray that we may be nourished in word and sacrament so that we may go forth to produce fruit for the Kingdom.
Love, Peace, Joy
Fr. Bob
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