The parable of the vineyard

Here in Aotearoa we are familiar with the method of farming where a landowner contracts sharemilkers to use the land for a percentage of the production. A similar method was used in Israel for the care of vineyards and Jesus uses that practice for the parable which forms today's gospel. (Matthew 21: 33-46.) A landowner carefully prepares a vineyard with hedge, wine press and tower then hires tenants to care for it. All goes well until the time of harvest when the owner sends servants to collect the share of the produce due to him. However the tenants refuse to cooperate and beat up the servants even killing one. A second group is treated in the same way and finally the owner sends his son thinking that he will be respected but no, the wicked tenants kill the son so that they they could take possession of the land. The listeners understood well the meaning of the story for in Isaiah chapter 5, the song of the Unfruitful Vineyard makes it clear that ''The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.'' which is expected to produce the fruits of good works. Prophets were sent to remind them of their obligations but they were sometimes killed, and we know that Jesus was the son sent to give them another chance. We too have been guided into the vineyard of the faith community. In the parable, the landowner trusts the tenants to make good use of the gifts they have received. God has entrusted us with abilities and gifts and trusts that we will use them well. We thank him for sending his Son to us and ask that we may may be worthy of the confidence He places in us.