I was reading my morning prayers. I read and re-read the Gospel reading: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46. Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: "Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. When vintage time grew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain the produce. But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. Finally, he sent his son to them thinking, 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they said one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and aquire his inheritance.' They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?" They answered him, "He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times." Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected/ has become the cornerstone;/by the Lord has this been done,/ and it is wonderful in our eyes? Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit." When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew he was speaking about them. And although they were attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet.
How does this speak to me in today's day and age? What does this mean for us right.now.? The thought comes to me as this: we Christians are the new tenants - are we going to produce fruits at the proper time? Cannot even we be turned away and our lease be given away? WE ARE TO BE FRUITFUL. We are all called to the same holiness. In America, we are seeing the tragic results of letting people forget God. We need to be convinced ourselves! Go to Church and when you're not there, LIVE your faith all.the.time. It's not easy, but your example is convincing! Fasting and prayer are HUGE weapons against the wiles of the Devil.
When I read this passage, I can see the prophets murdered by the tenants . . . I can see Jesus coming, being taken (forced to carry His cross) outside the walls of Jerusalem where he was crucified. That is what he is telling them: The Son is here - this is what you will do to Me . . . I'm here to tell you, make no mistake, the Kingdom will be rent from you and given to others.
Well, what are we doing with His Kingdom? Are you ready to be a real laborer? Let's pray, fast, give alms, and really let LENT improve the quality of your life. Surrender to the Will of God, Who loves you and longs for you in the Kingdom.
Giving God the glory,
Ave Maria!
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5 comments:
Amen!!!!
Another thought is: Are we receiving Jesus in the New Jerusalem at Mass and then taking Him (His message of life) and killing it when we live our daily lives? What are we doing outside the walls of the Church? Those walls are physical, Spiritual, and OUR HEARTS!
Amen indeed. Great reflection, thank you.
That was wonderful, Sarah! Thank you for sharing your meditation. So good! Also, thank you for responding to me about prayer. I know we're each called to a particular/unique/personal prayer life, but we're all indeed called to do something! With 5 kids in 5 years, life has been so transitional ... I have constantly felt like I am starting and restarting a prayer routine (and other types of routines, too). Since the twins, it has been a bit harder to get into a consistent pattern, but I am eager to figure it out ... again!
Amen, amen! Wise words, dear Sarah. We will lose what we've been given if we don't produce fruit! Thanks for this reminder. I pray we all have a fruitful and blessed Lenten season...savor this time and allow God to change us.
Peace to you.
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