Thursday March 9th: …Even if
March 9, 2023
Saturday March 11th: The Story of the Forgiving Father
March 11, 2023
We are all tasked with contributing to the care of the vineyard.
Matthew 21: 33-34. 45-46
The passage can be considered a condensed version of the history of the people of God, both during Biblical times and present times. It speaks of a landowner planting a vineyard and providing everything it needed to grow and produce the best fruit. But those who were tasked with caring for the vineyard became greedy and distorted the life of the vineyard.
The parable teaches three important lessons. Firstly, it speaks to the need to be accountable for one’s actions. We are all tasked with contributing to the care of the vineyard. Pope Francis calls it ‘our common home’. Thus we are all responsible for its wellbeing and produce. Secondly, there are consequences for not fulfilling our responsibilities. When we fail or succeed it impacts on others as well as on ourselves. Becoming self-centred or greedy with ‘our common home’ only leads to strife and disappointment. And thirdly, the passage speaks of God’s enduring mercy and patience. Even when we are unjust and/or selfish, God is patient, merciful and kind.
