Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

                                  Twenty Seventh Sunday of the Year, A – October 8, 2017

Readings: Isaiah 5:1-7; Responsorial Psalm Ps 80:8.11.12-13.14.17b.18-19(R.Is 5:7a);

 Phil 4:6-9 & Gospel Matthew 21:33-43.

Theme: Guarding the Lord’s Vineyard

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, our gospel reading (Matthew 21:33-43) presents us with the parable of the Vineyard Owner. A parable has been defined as an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Mark Link (2006) distinguishes between Window Parables and Mirror Parables. The former means simple stories which teach about God or God’s kingdom. They are verbal windows through which we get insights into God or his kingdom. These parables often begin with “the kingdom of God is like.” An example of a window parable is the story of the Lost Sheep.

The latter are stories that act as verbal mirrors which give insights into ourselves. Jesus always uses mirror parables to let his audience identify themselves in what he teaches. Accordingly, today’s parable of the Vineyard Owner is a mirror parable. 

Situating the Gospel around Old Testament Context

ü  The vineyard owner: The Vineyard Owner is God;

ü  The vineyard: The vineyard is the people of Israel’;

ü  The tenants: The tenants are the leaders of Israel;

ü  The first group of slaves: The first group of slaves sent by the owner are the early prophets God sent to Israel;

ü  The second group of slaves: These are the later prophets God sent to Israel;

ü  The owner’s son: The owner’s son who was killed is Jesus;

ü  The first leasing of the vineyard: This refers to the Old Covenant (Link, 2006).

As Isaiah says in the first reading (Isaiah 5:1-7), despite what God did for Israel, he got bloodshed and a cry of distress instead of justice and integrity. Israel, the Lord’s Vineyard did not bear fruits. He expected grapes from them but only got sour grapes.

Contemporary Application of the Gospel

We shall now attempt a contemporary understanding of the parable:

ü  The new tenant farmers: The new tenant farmers to whom the owner leases the vineyard are the apostles of Jesus who also double as the new leaders of Israel;

ü  The second leasing of the vineyard: This refers to the New Covenant (Link, 2006);

ü  The gentiles: Gentiles are those responsible for forming the New Israel.

Implication for Gentiles

As children of the New and Everlasting Covenant established by Christ, God has leased his vineyard to us. What this implies is that we are called to guard the Lord’s Vineyard. The second leasing has implications for contemporary Christians who by the virtue of their baptism have entered into a covenantal relationship with God. As custodians of the kingdom, we are challenged to manure and nurture the Lord’s Vineyard.

Our responsorial psalm (Ps 80:8.11.12-13.14.17b.18-19) reminds us that we are God’s vineyard. This is why upon calling the Lord to visit this vine and protect, the psalmist asks for God’s blessing. It is instructive that the psalmist pledges that we would not forsake the Lord again. As God’s tenants, we are challenged to take our baptismal commitments seriously. The second reading (Phil 4:6-9) urges us to pray so that God would guide our hearts and thoughts as the new tenants of his vineyard.

Homiletic Quotes to Remember

ü  Window parables are simple stories which teach about God or God’s kingdom.

ü  The parable of the Vineyard Owner is a mirror parable which helps us to identify ourselves as God’s tenants. 

ü  The new tenant farmers to whom the owner leases the vineyard are the apostles of Jesus who also double as the new leaders of Israel.

ü  The second leasing of the vineyard refers to the New Covenant.

ü  As children of the New and Everlasting Covenant established by Christ, God has leased his vineyard to us.

ü  The second leasing has implications for contemporary Christians who by the virtue of their baptism enter into a covenantal relationship with God.

Conclusion

Our liturgy reveals that God takes care of us in every way by fertilizing our lives. This is why we must not take his care for granted. He is capable of withdrawing his vineyard if we take his love for granted. With today’s Psalmist we pray, “God of hosts, turn again, we implore, look down from heaven and see. Visit this vine and protect it, the vineyard your right hand has planted.” May we not act like the reckless tenants but guard jealously, the Lord’s Vineyard. Amen. Have a fabulous week!