Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

(10/04/2026) Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:33-43

“The Stone Which the Builders Rejected"

 

I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord,
to go and bear fruit that will remain.

 

From the desk of Fr. Leo

     Most of us know how much work is involved in caring for a garden. Just imagine how much work is involved with setting up an entire vineyard. It is a full- time occupation. In this weekend's First Reading, the prophet Isaiah who lived in the 8th century B.C, describes some of what was involved in caring for a vineyard. If we wonder why there needed to be a watchtower in the vineyard, it was needed, both day and night, to protect the grapes from thieves and predators, especially during harvest time. Apparently, Isaiah the prophet was a musician as well as a talented poet. As he sang his song, we can imagine the shock his audience felt when they discovered they were the vineyard he was singing about. From history, we know Isaiah's prophecy about the destruction of the vineyard literally proved to be true when first the Assyrians, then later the Babylonians, invaded the land of Israel and destroyed most of the cities, villages, homes and farms in Israel.

     This weekend's parable is Jesus' second response to the Jewish leaders. (next weekend's is the third). They all tell us something about the kingdom. This weekend's parable is very easy to understand. The people of Israel are often compared to a vineyard in the Scriptures, and our First Reading this weekend is one of the best examples of that comparison. In the passage from Isaiah in the First Reading, the complaint was with the grapes, they were too sour to be eaten or to be used for wine. In the gospel, notice that the problem is not with the grapes, but with those charged with the task of caring for the vineyard; the Jewish religious leaders. Throughout their 1000-year history, the leaders almost always rejected the teachings of the prophets. Often the prophets were put to death for doing what God had sent them to do. In the parable, the first two groups who were sent to the vineyard to obtain the fruit that was owed to the owner represents the prophets God sent. So the owner of the vineyard (that is, God) decided to send His son. It would be a huge offense (as well as a very stupid thing to do) if the workers rejected or harmed the son. It would be as grievous as if they were to do anything to the owner himself. But they thought they could get by with it. Instead, they lost everything they did have. Sometimes that happens to us when we get too greedy – one of the several lessons the story of Adam and Eve teaches us. As one man remarked when he lost a lot of money in the stock market: “You can be a bull or you can be a bear, but you can't be a pig.”

     God looks for holiness among His people and he looks for those with authority, not only religious leaders but also parents and teachers, to lead God's people. It is indeed a big responsibility.

Meditation: What is the message of the parable of the vineyard? Jesus' story about an absentee landlord and his not-so-good tenants would have made sense to his audience. The hills of Galilee were lined with numerous vineyards, and it was quite common for the owners to let out their estates to tenants. Many did it for the sole purpose of collecting rent.

The Lord's vineyard in the house of his people
Why did Jesus' story about wicked tenants cause offense to the scribes and Pharisees? It contained both a prophetic message and a warning. Isaiah had spoken of the house of Israel as "the vineyard of the Lord" (Isaiah 5:7). Jesus' listeners would have likely understood this parable as referring to God's dealing with a stubborn and rebellious people.

This parable speaks to us today as well. It richly conveys some important truths about God and the way he deals with his people. First, it tells us of God's generosity and trust. The vineyard is well equipped with everything the tenants need. The owner went away and left the vineyard in the hands of the tenants. God, likewise trusts us enough to give us freedom to run life as we choose. This parable also tells us of God's patience and justice. Not once, but many times he forgives the tenants their debts. But while the tenants take advantage of the owner's patience, his judgment and justice prevail in the end.

Gift of the kingdom
Jesus foretold both his death on the cross and his ultimate triumph. He knew he would be rejected and put to death, but he also knew that would not be the end. After rejection would come glory - the glory of his resurrection from the grave and his ascension to the right hand of the Father in heaven.

The Lord blesses his people today with the gift of his kingdom - a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. And he promises that we will bear much fruit if we abide in him (see John 15:1-11). He entrusts his gifts and grace (unmerited favor and blessing) to each of us and he gives us work to do in his vineyard - the body of Christ in our midst today. He promises that our labor for him will not be in vain if we persevere with faith to the end (see 1 Corinthians 15:58).

We can expect trials and even persecution. But in the end we will see triumph. Do you follow and serve the Lord Jesus with joyful hope and confidence in the victory he has won for you and the gift of abundant new life in the Holy Spirit? 

Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which you have given us - for all the pains and insults which you have borne for us. O most merciful redeemer, friend, and brother, may we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, for your own sake. (prayer of St. Richard of Chichester, 13th century)

read more at: http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org

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