In the readings today, we can perceive disappointment: What more was there to do for my vineyard that I had not done? Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes? (Is 5: 1-7) The sadness in the gospel becomes a judgment: What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes? (Mt 21: 33-43)
There is the distance between the projects of God, which needs to become fruitful and the little, sad result of human selfishness. From this distance comes the anthropomorphic expression of a God that is “disappointed”
The question for all of us is how am I cultivating my vine?
God always has a better plan: He wants fruits. He doesn’t want sterile works and fruitless lives. There is a new plan announced in the hard words of Jesus: "He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him produce at the proper times."
How is the vine of our lives? Let me go a little bit further. Fathers and mothers also need to ask about the vines of their homes. Sons and daughters how is the vine of your studies and lives at middle, High school and College? Countries must ask for their legacy of faith and history they have received.
Are we leaving things better than when we received them?
What about the world? Are we taking care of it so that the next generation will enjoy it like us? Or we are using it as though we are the last generation that has a right to enjoy it?
The words of Jesus are an invitation to change the way we see things. Today’s Gospel was said to the chief priests and the elders of the people. Why them in particular? Because their blindness not only moves them to ignore the responsibility of the vine entrusted to them but they are also taking possession of it; to the point of killing the one inherited, Christ. As we see there is a relation between the disobedience that ruins the vine and its goal and the desire of appropriating the vine, making it ours and excluding the owner. To expel God from life and ruin creation as we see it is the same thing.
In this Gospel passage, Lord Jesus, you show us how men have rejected your Father and you. It is so easy to lose sight of your love. Grant that I may know and love you better. Quicken my steps that I may bring your love to my brothers and sisters. Lord, grant me the grace of apostolic zeal.
Lord Jesus, your love knows no limits. You reach out to each soul according to the situation it is in. To the chief priests and Pharisees you offered a parable to open their minds and hearts. To us you give the example of your life, the witness of your words, and the teachings of your Spouse, the Church. Grant, O Lord, that I may love my brothers and sisters as you want me to, and so be your faithful apostle. Amen
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