27th Sunday of Ordinary Time- Fr. Leo
There is a deliberate parallel in the vineyard stories in our first reading from Isaiah and today’s gospel from Matthew. In both, God has painstakingly set up a vineyard to produce grapes. In both stories God’s intention is defeated by man’s infidelity. What is different in the two vineyard stories is that in the first, the vineyard is destroyed. In Matthew’s story, the vineyard is not destroyed, but given to those who will keep the ways of the Lord and produce the fruit of God’s kingdom.
In our second reading from the Letter to the Philippians, we are instructed in the ways of fruitfulness. We are told we should have no anxiety, but in everything, prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, we call on the Lord who will guard our hearts and minds in Christ. Then comes the practical advice. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
How timely these words are when we need good role models to show our young what is good and life giving, and not that which divides, loots, and burns. May the Good Shepard guide us all to be brothers and sisters in the love of His kingdom.