Friday of the Second Week of Lent

March 13, 2020

Deacon Anthony J. Cincotta

Assistant Director for Retreat Ministry 

 

Book of Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a

Psalm 105

Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

What is the point of Jesus’ parable in the vineyard.  The story made sense to His audience since they already knew that the hill of Galilee were basically lined with vineyards and it was common for the owners to lease out theirs estates to tenants.  It was a way to make money by simply collecting rent. 

The next question we should consider is why the story of the wicked tenants cause offense to the scribes and Pharisees?  It was because it contained both a prophetic message as well as a warning.  The Prophet Isaiah (5:7) had spoken of the House of Israel as “the vineyard of the Lord.”  Therefore Jesus’ listeners would likely understand this parables referring to God’s dealing with a stubborn and rebellious people.  This parable speaks to us today as well.

It conveys some important truths about God and the way He deals with His people.  Jesus foretold both His death and His ultimate triumph.  He knew that He would be rejected and be killed, but He also knew that would not be the end.  After rejections would come glory – the glory of Resurrection and Ascension to the right hand of the Father.

Today, Our Lord blesses His people with the gift of His kingdom.  He promises that our labor will not be in vain if we persevere with faith to the end.  We can expect trials and ever persecution along the way but in the end we will see triumph.

Question of the Day:  Will you “labor in the vineyard” of your life by living the  Gospels and in turn share the Good News with others?

Prayer: Father of all that is good, keep us faithful in serving you, for to serve you is our lasting joy.

Prosit

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ENCOUNTERING DIVINE PHYSICIAN (Gospel of Luke 5: 17-26)

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