Homily: Second Friday of Lent

Second Friday of Lent (Mt. 21:33ff) “Freedom and Responsibility”

Parables often describe everyday life or what we call common human experiences. The people who heard the parable of the vineyard workers could identify with what Jesus was talking about.

Palestine was a very volatile place. It also could be a very inhospitable place. Wealthy landowners would often be absent. Owners of property would entrust it to surrogates so they could manage it.

We notice that the owner of the vineyard gave the tenants everything they needed to be successful. The vineyard had all the equipment you would want to make wine. It had security with a tower and a hedge around it to keep out thieves and wild animals.

The owner was not a micro manager. He did not stand over the workers directing every task. He gave his employees a job and then he allowed them to do it.

What was it that led to the difficulties described? We can surmise that the vineyard workers were resentful, greedy and jealous. There is a potpourri of deadly sins that touch the workers in the story.

The symbolism that is portrayed is easy to decipher. The nation of Israel was often called the vineyard of the Lord in the Scriptures. The workers were the religious leaders of Israel. The owner was God. The prophets were the messengers sent by the proprietor. And the Son was Jesus. Our Lord was describing the demise of Israel. We have a sense the destruction of the nation of Israel could have been avoided if the people would not have rebelled against God.

The story has been repeated in human history. We could see it being reenacted today. The world is the Lord’s vineyard. Humanity is misusing and abusing the earth. We are being warned about this. Will we change our behavior? We have free will to do so. God trusts us. The question is whether we will betray that trust.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Do we have everything we need in this world? What keeps us from prospering?

2.   Who are the prophets who warn us today about the state of our world? Does it look like we use our freedom well?

Dear Parishioners,

          It is Lent so it must be time for a fish fry. Tonight (March 1), Seton School will be sponsoring a fish fry at Christ the King from 4:30 to 7 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to support our Catholic grade school. It is a good opportunity for a great meal as well. I would invite everyone to turn out and support this fund raiser. Every dollar helps our cause.

          May Our Lady of Peace pray for us,

          Fr. Mark