Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Jgs 9:6-15; Ps 21:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; Mt 20:1-16
Notes: Be sure you ask the right person about … Come; you reign over us!
But the buckthorn replied to the trees, ‘If you wish to anoint me king over you in good faith, come and take refuge in my shadow. Otherwise, let fire come from the buckthorn and devour the cedars of Lebanon.’
The first of the Republican candidate debates begin tonight, less the most toxic one.
Buckthorn berries, bark and roots are toxic. The berries cause severe cramping and diarrhea in humans.
Who do you want to reign over you? The Buckthorn or the LORD?
The one is toxic and the other is generous.
First Reading
Then all the lords of Shechem and all Beth-millo came together and made Abimelech king by the terebinth at the memorial pillar in Shechem.
When this was reported to Jotham, he went and stood at the top of Mount Gerizim and cried out in a loud voice: “Hear me, lords of Shechem, and may God hear you!
Superior quality leadership sit out politics or are discounted by those who want toxicity.
Olive tree – No.
Fig tree – No.
The vine – No.
The Buckhorn waits for you to call to him.
Be sure you ask the right person about … Come; you reign over us!
It is not this way with the LORD. Other translations say ‘Come, let us reason together’.
Come now, let us set things right, says the LORD: Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; Though they be red like crimson, they may become white as wool (ISA 1:18).
Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow (ISA 1:16-17).
Responsorial
Lord, in your strength the king is glad.
Gospel Acclamation
The word of God is living and effective, able to discern the reflections and thoughts of the heart.
Gospel
- After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard.
- And on receiving it [their pay] they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.
- Are you envious because I am generous?
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry