Gospel of Matthew, chapter 21: 43

In today’s Gospel parable (Matthew 21:33-43) the vineyard is another image of the kingdom of God, which 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 has reference, obviously, to the church and how it 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 members of the religious hierarchy in today’s church. 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 and were persecuted for their efforts. The Son, whom God finally sent, is Jesus Christ, the “key – stone of the structure” whom “the builders rejected.” Jesus quotes the Old Testament scriptures which refer to Himself as the “cornerstone” of the new kingdom that was rejected by the religious leaders.

We have all been planted in the vineyard by God and we must all bear fruit for our stewardship in this vineyard. No one can presume to be the owner, 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-operative, fruitful workers in this church-the vineyard. Regrettably, the Gospel does not sing of a co-operative 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. If we would act this way, and God forbid, the vineyard will be taken away from us and given to those who will yield a rich harvest. On the other hand, if we are humble servants in the vineyard; fruitful and contented workers in the church-acting admirably, decently and respectfully in accordance with the example of God’s only Son, His blessing will be upon us.

Fr. Hugh Duffy