We are in the harvest season. We thank God for the fruitfulness of our fields, for the farmers and gardeners whose handwork ensures that we are fed and happy. This backdrop drives our reflection today as the word of God resonates with the importance of the fruitfulness of the field.
In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks of a vineyard lovingly planted by God. He describes the meticulous care taken in cultivating it, only to find that it produces wild grapes. In this passage, God represents the vineyard owner who expected sweet grapes but received sour ones. This metaphor reminds us of God’s investment in our lives and the expectation of righteous living. We are God’s vineyard.
In the second reading, St. Paul speaks of the virtues to harness as God’s harvest. He encourages us to find peace in the Lord through prayer and thanksgiving, which will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. St. Paul also instructs us to focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and of good repute.
In the gospel, Jesus shares the parable of the wicked tenants in the vineyard. The owner sends servants to collect the fruit, but they are beaten and killed. Finally, the owner sends his son, who is also killed. Jesus tells the religious leaders that the kingdom will be taken from them and given to a people who will produce its fruit.
These readings show how important our fruitfulness in this world is to God. We are God’s vineyard as well as the labourers in His vineyard. We are invited to be fruitful in ensuring peace in the world by, first of all, having the peace of Christ in us to bear the fruit of prayer and godliness. What God has planted in us is good, and we shouldn’t allow anything to corrupt us from being the sweet grape to the sore. God desires the fruits of righteousness, love, peace, and obedience to His will in our lives.