This week, the allegories in the stories from Isaiah and Matthew are pretty on the nose, using the image of vineyards to explain our relationship to God. In the first case, we are the grapes that grow in God’s vineyard, and despite all the nurturing care that God gives us, we spoil, ruining the harvest. In the Gospel, the landowner’s tenants do not allow him to gather the produce, instead killing his servants and his son when they come to harvest what was planted.
The initial message of the two parables together may seem obvious – let God’s loving care guide our lives and return to Him our gifts that He has nurtured – but I would suggest these readings also encourage us to dwell on God’s graciousness. He has established a vineyard for us to grow in that is fertile, which encourages us to develop our talents (to borrow from another parable) and learn to live virtuously. He has set up towers and walls to protect this vineyard, protecting us from corrupting influences. And in both parables, there is a press, which is important because we do not live for ourselves; fruit that is not harvested falls to the ground and rots away, but we are called to live lives that glorify God and show forth the work of His hand. In all these images we can see the Church: it is the community in which we are planted, that defends against the influence of the world and the enemy, and provides the means for our lives to glorify God. The Church does not always live out this mission perfectly, as wicked tenants have often cultivated this vineyard, but the grace of God always remains, which is especially evident in the lives of the saints. St. Paul tells the Philippians to dwell on the things that are true, honourable, and pure and to follow his example of the virtuous life. In prayer and right living, God will guard our hearts and minds, and His peace will be with us to ensure that we do not become wild or sour grapes but a vintage wine.
In Canada, we celebrate Thanksgiving this weekend, and it is a time to reflect on the many gifts we have and the things we are grateful for. In God’s vineyard, there is much to be grateful for. If we remember that all that we need comes from Him and that we find our fulfillment in living for Him, then we will have His peace.
Daniel Salé – St. Joseph Seminary, Edmonton, Alberta.