Today’s readings present us with two contrasting stories about vineyards. Vineyards have played a prominent role in our readings for three consecutive Sundays. Two weeks ago, we heard the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, last week we heard the Parable of the Two Disappointing Sons who were asked by their father to work in his vineyard and today we hear Isaiah’s Vineyard Song and the Parable of the Wicked Tenants working in the vineyard.
The vineyard in Isaiah’s song is tenderly cared for, nurtured, “and planted [with] the choicest vines.” The planter’s expectations for the vineyard are so high that he builds a winepress. He is ready for a fruitful harvest. However, he is in for a big disappointment. The vineyard does not produce juicy grapes; rather it produces wild, sour grapes that are not good for anything. So, he destroys the vineyard. Isaiah tells us that the planter is “The Lord of hosts,” the vineyard “is the House of Israel” and “the people of Judah are his cherished plant.”
In St. Matthew’s gospel, the Parable of the Wicked Tenants working in the vineyard is similar to the story in Isaiah’s song but it has a very different ending. In this parable, the vineyard is the Kingdom of God, the tenants are the religious leaders (chief priests and elders), the servants are the prophets, the Son is Jesus and the landowner is God the Father. God entrusted his vineyard to the tenants. He provided them with everything they needed to produce a fruitful harvest. However, when he comes back to reap the fruits of the harvest, the tenants beat, kill and stone his faithful servants. They also kill his son. They are selfish and greedy. However, in this parable God does not destroy the vineyard or the tenants. He evicts the tenants and replaces them with people who will tend his vineyard with loving care and produce a fruitful harvest.
All three parables we have heard over the past three weeks are about our stewardship in the Kingdom of God. God gives us everything we need to build the Kingdom and produce good fruit. He trusts us to do the work. He gives us second and third opportunities to succeed. And, as St. Paul reminds us in today’s second reading from Philippians 4:6-9, God expects us to perform our tasks with an attitude that is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, excellent and worthy of praise. If we can accomplish all of this, then we can be assured that “the God of peace will be with” us forever and ever.
Father,
Your love for us
Surpasses all our hopes and desires.
Forgive our failings,
Keep us in your peace
And lead us to the way of salvation.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
God, forever and ever.
Amen
