In the Parable of the Wicked Tenants in the Vineyard (Matthew 21:33-43), Jesus paints an image of the Church which is less than flattering. It is an image of a Church that has gone astray, a Church that is tended by those who think it is theirs to use at will, to bend to their own ends, and not to do the will of God-the true Master. This striking parable has reference, obviously, to the Jewish leaders of Jesus’s day who rejected Him, and would finally put Him to death. But it also has reference to the leaders in today’s Church who fail to promote the following of Christ as their primary mission. Thus, this parable has a message for all times, but especially for today.

The property owner in the parable is God the Father. The tenant farmers refer to the religious leaders whose job it is to do God’s will, unselfishly, not lording over the faithful as if they were their masters. The servants who were sent to obtain the Master’s “share of the grapes” represent the prophets and saints who labored to do the Lord’s will in His vineyard but were persecuted for their efforts by corrupt, religious leaders. The Son, whom God finally sent, is Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins. Jesus quotes the Old Testament scriptures in this parable which refer to Himself as the “cornerstone” of the new kingdom which was rejected and continues to be distorted by corrupt religious leaders.

We have all been planted in the Lord’s Vineyard, and we must all bear good  fruit in this Vineyard. No one can presume to be the owner, the Master of this fruitful kingdom. There is only one Master, one owner, and that is almighty God. We are all called to be co-operative, fruitful workers in this church. This parable does not sing of a co-operative church, however, it sees only a harvest of those useless, wild grapes that sprout up in the untended vineyard. The gift that God had given was neglected and scorned.

If Church leaders should act this way today, and God forbid, the vineyard will be taken away from them and given to those “who will yield a rich harvest.” On the other hand, if Church’s leaders are willing servants, fruitful and contented workers, acting decently and respectfully in accordance with the example of God’s only Son, His blessing will be upon them and those in their charge.

The message of this parable is a message for our day. Pope Francis launched a Synodal Process on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 to renew the Catholic Church’s understanding of itself and its mission to meet the needs of the gospel in a changing world. This is an awesome task. It is not easy to achieve renewal in the church because it is fraught with dangers, crises, and obstacles that tend to derail the church from its true purpose. But the Synodal Process is in line with the reforms, and pastoral guidance set forth by the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). It deserves our respect, our prayers, and our support.

The Church is the People of God, endeavoring to be faithful to the Gospel of Christ in a sinful world. Let us humbly pray for our Church and today’s Synodal Process:

Heavenly Father, help our Church walk in a manner worthy of Your calling.
Guide us in our dealings with one another to be meek and humble of heart.
Grant us patience to bear one another’s burdens with love, and compassion.
Inspire the Synodal Shepherds and Faithful to lead wisely for the good of all.

—Fr. Hugh Duffy

If you find these blogs helpful, please tell your friends. You will also be spreading the Good News.