Friday - Second Week of Lent

Gospel – Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

Kill the Messenger?

Synagogue Church, Nazareth

Today’s Gospel parable is essentially a summary of salvation history for the Jews!  The landowner (God) created this beautiful vineyard (the earth) and then put tenants in place to care for it (humanity).  When He sent servants (prophets) to collect the harvest (their faith), the tenants abuse and even kill the servants (refuse to listen to the prophets). Finally He send His Son (Jesus) and they killed Him too – a prediction of Jesus’ coming passion and death.

While their response to the servants and the son are extreme, the message is clear!  God continues to send us His messengers; He continues to call us to account, to see how well we have been tending the vineyard (keeping the faith).  Are we listening?  Did we hear the message?

The tenants in the parable give in to envy and resentment, to their worst faults. They think they know better and that they have no need for the landowner, His servants and even His Son.  There are plenty of times in our lives when we fall into the same trap.  I refuse to listen to the sound advice of others or the message of faith and trust we find in Scriptures!  I know what’s best for me!  I can do this on my own! 

While none of us would go to the extreme violence of the tenants, we do know from experience how destructive and hurtful envy, jealousy and resentment can be.  We read it in the news every day.  Even in our own family, mom likes you best or you always get the better presents!

During the Season of Lent, God calls us all to pray, to fast, and to give charitably.  But most importantly He calls us to reconciliation, to heal those relationships torn apart by jealousy or envy.  Whether it’s a good friend, a family member or our God, we need to remind ourselves of the many gifts our Creator has bestowed on us and on others.  Be thankful and grateful!  Be faithful and forgiving!

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