“True Heirs of the Kingdom” For centuries, the “Parable of the Wicked Tenants” has been interpreted in terms of God being the landlord. The commentary in the Didache Bible tells us:
“God is the owner of the vineyard, and his prophets are the servants sent to warn the labourers. When they refuse to listen to the prophets, God sent his Son, who was rejected and killed. Yet, Christ was and is the cornerstone upon which his Church is built and by which it remains solid and unified through the authorities and ministry of the Apostles and their successors.” The Catechism confirms this as well: (CCC 755) “The Church is a cultivated field, the tillage of God. On that land the ancient olive tree grows whose holy roots were the prophets and in which the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles has been brought about and will be brought about again.” This mention of reconciliation between nations is very important, because it dispels the incorrect understanding that Christ took his gospel from the Jews and gave it to the Gentiles. For centuries, this false interpretation led to devastating discrimination. Hitler used this reading as cruel leverage in his evil campaigns against the Jews. So, the true meaning of the reading is adjusted in the Catechism to say that Christ was aiming his chastisement at the ‘Scribes and Leaders’ of the Jewish faith – Not at all the Jews, while suggesting all nations, Jew and Gentile alike, who followed his ‘word’ would be given the opportunity for ‘Salvation’ by ‘the Stone’ which the Temple Leaders rejected. The Catechism goes on to say: “That land, like a choice vineyard, has been planted by the heavenly cultivator. Yet the true vine is Christ who gives life and fruitfulness to the branches, that is, to us, who through the Church remain in Christ, without whom we can do nothing.” (CCC 756) The Lord compared himself to the stone which the builders [Temple Leaders] rejected, but was made into the corner-stone. On this foundation the Church is built by the apostles and from it the Church receives solidity and unity.” So, a bit of theology and catechism for us to digest. But maybe there is another way of looking at this parable, perhaps in a way which might bring it closer to home, perhaps make it even more relevant for us. Many of you are parents. Perhaps, like the land-owner, you might be thinking of how much ‘fruit’ you gave those in your charge, your children, gave everything you could, maybe even short-changing yourself, so they would have what all the other kids had. You brought them to Church every Sunday. You taught them “Grace Before Meals” and prayers at bedtime. … But then, they left home, made their way in the world with a measure of success, but left behind the treasures of faith which you shared with them in their growing years. Again, like the land-owner, maybe you are also disappointed or even angry that all that you gave has been discarded or simply forgotten. You might even be compelled to wonder where will all this lead? Will my children see the fruits of the Kingdom given to others? This is perhaps how God feels, and what Christ really wanted us to understand. In the words of Salesian Priest, Flor McCarthy, “[That] though God is loving to the point of foolishness [perhaps like many parents are], he does want to see a response from us, not for his own sake, but for ours. [Is this not a parent’s lament?] He wants to see us make use of the gifts and opportunities he has given us, so that we can grow as his children. [Yet,] our response must be free, and given out of love.” And what are these gifts? Isaiah points out some, but also how we squandered them: - God gave us fair and honest justice with which to negotiate peace with each other, but sees bloodshed and war, corruption and abuse of the earth and all living things; - God gave us righteousness, but hears the cry of the poor, helpless, and displaced, suffering from exploitation of their people, their land, and resources; - God gave us balance in all things, but we eat, drink, and consume in excess, with a greed for material goods and advantages by a select few dominating our planet; - God gave us humility, but we entertain false pride and harsh criticism of others; - God gave us himself to turn to, but we only trust ourselves and insurance policies. So, how do we turn this around, produce the fruits of Christ’s kingdom? Volunteer. Donate to groups who help those in need. Adopt a child from far away. What of our adult children? You planted the seed of faith. Christ is with them and in them. Now, let God do the work of cultivating his wisdom. Meantime, we must continue to teach children the joy of love and kindness, generosity, peace, obedience, care for the earth, and the incredible, life-and-world-changing power of prayer. Rev Fr Christopher Tracey Saint Joseph Parish Saugeen Shores, Ontario
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Father's Blog
Rev. Fr. Christopher Tracey
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