18/03/2022

When we hear the parable of the vinyard, its significance is obvious to us. It was not so for the people who heard it from the very lips of Jesus. It would have been a tale well told and recognisable in its setting but only the priests could approach an understanding.

 They knew it was telling of an uncertain future for their status quo. It also frightened them because they knew that Jesus was accepted by the public as a prophet and a leader. Following the example of Joseph's brothers they wanted to have his dreams, the Good News the teaching to the poor silenced as they recognised the authority with which he spoke.

Did they think that Jesus' words came from God? Did they think that they came from the devil? Why were they afraid?

The person of Jesus with his power to cure the sick, with his authority to drive out devils with his charism to attract multitudes to listen to his words was simply an offence to the priestly class. They suffered from that very human defect, jealousy and they plotted to silence him for ever but their "for ever" lasted only three days.

God's ways are not man's. The all powerful Father, Son and Holy Spirit has created us to inhabit creation in freedom not as animal with preprogramming to control our every move. Our consciousness of being is completely free and to this wonder has been added love for us to share following the example of the Son who emptied himself to become as we are and accepted the pain of being completely dead and in that horror of Godlessnes we call Hell.

Dear Lord may I be this day open to all the promptings of my conscience which has been formed by a willing attention to you. Let me find a way to confess my sins and receive the sacrament of forgiveness created by your pasion and death. May Mary and all the saints support all who are facing difficulties of life in this world especially those who are known to me.