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27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Word of Explanation :
Jesus continues to address the priests and the elders (21, 23), with still "another parable" (21, 33), linked to the one about the two sons, but more dramatic. The preceding parable put the accent on those who should be working in the vineyard, while this Sunday’s highlights the point that they shouldproduce fruit for the owner who has the right to it. This parable opens up a christological perspective : the Son will endure the Passion, but will also become the cornerstone of God’s plan.
Meditation :
The poem from Isaiah compares Israel to a plant tenderly cared for by God, the same image that Matthew takes up in his Gospel. In the parable, the owner of the vineyard goes off on a trip. He does not abandon the vineyard but entrusts it to cultivators and then to his servants. The cultivators received the gift so they can make it fruitful ; the servants should bring the fruit of the vine to the owner. We do not know if the vindressers took good care of the vines or not. The parable underlines the refusal to bring the fruit to the owner. They are acting like the owners themselves. The arrival of the master’s son makes their refusal more radical.
The paradox of the situation lies in the fact that the owner has taken care to protect his vineyard : he put up a fence, dug a press and built a watchtower. But the danger doesn’t come from exterior aggressors, it comes from the interior. The owner is deprived of the benefice he expected by those he trusted. After opposing more and more vehemently the calls of the vineyard’s owner - by striking, killing, stoning the servants sent by him - and in whom we recognize the Prophets. (cf. 23, 37), the vinedressers, that is, those responsible to care for the People, could seize their last chance of repentance by welcoming the son who is also the heir. While God is showing his fidelity to the Covenant, the vinedressers scheme to steal the gift that had been given them so they could produce fruit. The fate of Jesus, himself, is announced in the heir’s being thrown out of the vineyard and assassinated outside the city walls.
After having asked his interrogators to draw the conclusion of the parable, Jesus declares their judgment. He cites Ps 118 and applies it to his own situation : his rejection by the authorities in Israel had been foretold, but also that he would become the cornerstone of a new edifice. The Kingdom of God is taken away from the High Priests and Elders of which v. 45 tells us : "they knew he was speaking of them". To whom will the Kingdom then be given ? To a people that will produce fruit. Are we not this new people which will also be judged according to the fruit given ? The warning not to act as owners of the world, of not jealously keeping gifts received, applies to us.
Lord, God of Peace, we thank You for the care given to your People, for all the goods received from your hand. Grant us to be a people that produces fruit because they are disciples of your Son and attentive to your Word.
Remonter