Pritam Dangwar csc –
Readings: Is 5:1-7; Phil 4:6-9; Mt: 21:33-43
In the gospel reading Jesus invites us to look at our life as a vineyard where he has already planted his word. Everything needed was provided to assure growth and fruitfulness.
On different occasions the Lord sent different spiritual guides to shape our lives. Sometimes, we remain stubborn and do not allow the seed ‘the word’ to grow in our hearts and we end up with spiritual dryness.
The Lord who is magnanimous repeatedly sends mentors to help us to form our conscience. He provides us with opportunities and resources that will help us to bring out the best from us. Often, we fail to realize that our lives are being shaped by God. We have the tendency to respond to the invitations of the Lord like the tenants of the parable. Laziness, indifference, aggression, and stubbornness will lead to desperation, and desperation to harmful and unethical deeds.
To bring forth a life of fruitfulness we need to follow the advice of St. Paul in today’s second reading, “beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things, Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received.”