Greetings on this the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20; Philippians 4:6-9; Matthew 21:33-43
Summary
The Parable of the Tenants
Within it he built a watchtower, and hewed out a wine press. He waited for judgment, but see, bloodshed! for justice, but hark, the outcry! Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit. O LORD, God of hosts, restore us; if your face shine upon us, then we shall be saved. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.
(Isa 5:2b; 7c; Mt 21:43; Ps 80:20; Phil 4:8-9).
Reflection
In the allegory of the Parable of the Tenants, we find the recurring theme in the Old Testament repeated in the New Testament.
A Repeating Pattern
- God provides covenantal love.
- Man disobeys and suffers from his own missteps.
- Man cries out.
- God saves.
Repeat steps 1-4.
Throughout divine history, nations, kingdoms, families, self.
The key to all of this: They will respect my son (or not).
A thief steals what doesn’t belong to them. Positions of authority are stewardships not ownership.
Things go wrong when the Owner is not respected.
Paul nails what respect looks like. Whatever is: true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and gracious. And, of course, the opposite in its extreme: murder and injustice. Our piety depends on our acting out being pious.
The parable leads directly into the rejected-stone image of Psalm 118, part of the wider biblical cornerstone tradition also found in Isaiah. The capstone, keystone, the person of Jesus and the responses.
Personal Reflection
Do we respect Jesus?
In our sacred readings today, we take the perspective of respect meaning the Pauline list of piety.
Where are we on the Repeating Reality? Recognizing where we are is crucial to moving forward.
Paul also provides comfort.
In Christ, covenant, prayer, and rescue are no longer merely sequential. They can become the continuing pattern of Christian life.
Joy and Peace.
Brothers and sisters: Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:4-7).
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100426.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry