READINGS AT MASS TODAY
Is. 5:1-7
Psalm 80
Phil. 4:6-9
Matt. 21:33-43
Theme: INVESTMENT RETURNS
Dear friends in Christ, N'wokafu YESU KRISTO...
Our First Reading and the Gospel for today made mention of vineyards. In the First Reading, what started as a love song ended in an allegory in which God expressed His disappointment in His beloved and cherished vineyard that enjoyed all the necessary attention but failed to produce good fruit.
The image of a vineyard is a predominant biblical image because of the characteristics of the grapevine (the vine).
A grapevine is a delicate and complicated plant. Its cultivation requires a great deal of care and attention from the farmer. A grapevine can either bear good fruit or wild grapes depending on the style of cultivation. A vine that grows in the wilderness without proper cultivation bears wild grapes. Anything short of good soil, protection, constant attention, and pruning will turn an otherwise good vine into a wild grapevine. However, with all the necessary protection, care, and cultivation, a vineyard has no choice but to bear good fruit.
Beloved in Christ, a Christian is a grapevine in a cultivated vineyard that has and continues to enjoy first-class care from God, the Master Farmer. With all the care and protection that has been given to us, we can not but bear good fruit. Some fruits, especially wild sour grapes, are just not acceptable from us. A grapevine in a vineyard can bear good fruits in varied sizes and quantities, but to bear a wild and bitter grape is simply unacceptable.
The distinction is clear. We have received far too much care and attention to find ourselves bearing wild, stinking, and somehow poisonous fruits in this life. Reflect on all the good things that you have received from God and determine whether you are proud of the kind of fruit you presently are bearing.
PRAYER
Lord, you have invested so much care and attention in me, and you deserve a good fruit in return. But my ungrateful nature has produced wild grapes instead. Forgive me and in your mercy continue to take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted. Amen.
May God bless you.
-Rev. Fr. Kenneth Debre
Sunday, October 8, 2023.
Holy Rosary Parish, Hohoe.
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