Gospel of Matthew, chapter 21:43

Knowing we are not God is half the battle in building up His kingdom. In today’s parable, the vineyard (another word for the kingdom of God or church) was tended by those who thought it was theirs to use at will, to bend to their own ends, and not to serve the will of God-the true Master of the vineyard.

This beautiful parable (Matthew 21: 33-43) has reference, obviously, to how the church should function with Christ as leader. The property owner in the parable is God the Father. The tenant farmers refer to the religious leaders—Israel’s chief priests and elders–and, by implication, the religious leaders in today’s Church. The servants who were sent to obtain the masters “share of the grapes” represent the prophets and saints who labored to do the Lord’s will in His kingdom and were persecuted for their efforts. The Son, whom God finally sent, is Jesus Christ the “keystone of the structure” whom “the builders rejected.”

We have all been planted in the vineyard by God and we must all bear fruit and responsibility for our stewardship in this vineyard. No one can presume to be the owner or the master of this fruitful place. There is only one Master, one owner; and that is Almighty God. We are all called to be co-workers, fruitful collaborators in His Church—the vineyard. Regrettably, this gospel does not sing of a cooperative church. It sees only a harvest of those useless, wild grapes that sprout up in the untended vineyard. The gift that God had given, therefore, was neglected, if not scorned by those who were entrusted with responsibility for the kingdom.

If we would act this way, and heaven forbid, God’s kingdom will be taken away from us and given to those who will yield a rich harvest. On the other hand, if we are fruitful and contented workers in the church-acting admirably, decently and respectfully in accordance with the example of Jesus, God’s only Son; His blessing will be upon us.

Fr. Hugh Duffy