The Gospel of Mark, chapter 12:9

The kingdom of God is compared to a vineyard in today’s gospel. Christ warns his listeners about abusing his kingdom for selfish purposes just like the corrupt tenants who abused their responsibility to take care of the vineyard. These corrupt tenants were ousted from the vineyard and it was given over to others.

Abuses in the church are not new. They existed in the Temple religion at the time of Christ, and they exist today in our own church. What are we to make of these abuses and the dire warning of Christ against the abusers in the church?
Regrettably, there will always be abuses in the church because it is made up of imperfect people who will exploit Christ’s church unless they convert and follow him. Still, there is no excuse for abuses in Christ’s church.

We must remember that we are all tenants in the Lord’s kingdom and, without exception, we bear responsibility for our actions. Those who abuse the Lord’s trust will have to answer to almighty God.

The important thing is not to break the trust that Christ has put in you; not to stand idly by when others are abusing that trust; and to show, by your example, that you are a follower of him.

Fr. Hugh Duffy