Daily Readings - Sun Oct 04 2020
Isaiah
1Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:2And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.3And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard.4What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?5And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down:6And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.7For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.
Philippians
6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Matthew
33Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:34And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.35And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.36Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.37But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.38But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.39And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.40When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?41They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.42Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?43Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful metaphors and exhortations that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our responsibilities as disciples. The first reading from Isaiah presents a vivid parable of a vineyard that fails to produce the fruit expected of it, leading to its eventual destruction. This vineyard symbolizes the people of Israel, who, despite God’s care and protection, turned away from justice and righteousness. The second reading from Philippians offers a different tone, urging us to cultivate peace and trust in God through prayer and gratitude, focusing our minds on what is true, just, and holy. The Gospel from Matthew continues the vineyard theme, with Jesus telling a parable that critiques the religious leaders of his time for their rejection of God’s messengers, including His own Son. This parable serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of faithlessness and the ultimate transfer of God’s kingdom to those who will bear its fruits.
The readings are deeply interconnected, as they all revolve around themes of responsibility, faithfulness, and the consequences of our choices. Isaiah’s vineyard and Jesus’ parable both use the image of a vineyard to illustrate God’s expectations for His people and the gravity of failing to meet those expectations. While the first reading and the Gospel emphasize accountability, Philippians offers a complementary message of hope and peace, encouraging us to trust in God’s providence even amidst challenges. Together, these readings remind us that our faith is not merely a set of beliefs but a call to live in a way that reflects God’s justice, love, and holiness.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are invited to examine our own fruitfulness as disciples. Are we producing the fruits of justice, mercy, and love, or are we like the barren vineyard, failing to respond to God’s grace? The readings encourage us to cultivate mindfulness of God’s presence, to trust in His peace, and to focus our hearts and minds on what is truly worthwhile. Let us not become complacent or distracted by the world’s allurements, but instead, let us strive to be faithful stewards of the kingdom entrusted to us. May we turn to God in prayer, seek His will in all things, and bear fruit that reflects the love and light of Christ in our world.