Daily Readings - Mon Jun 05 2023
Mark
1And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.2And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.3And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.4And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.5And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.6Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.7But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.8And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.9What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.10And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:11This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?12And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on faithfulness, stewardship, and the ultimate judgment of God. In the first reading from Tobit, we encounter a man who, despite being exiled and facing immense hardship, remains steadfast in his faith and his commitment to helping others. Tobit’s actions—burying the dead, feeding the hungry, and upholding the law—are not just acts of kindness but expressions of his deep trust in God’s providence. Even when his neighbors question his actions and warn him of the dangers, Tobit does not waver. His story reminds us that faithfulness to God and His commandments is not always easy, but it is always worth it.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about a vineyard owner who entrusts his land to tenants. Despite the owner’s generosity and trust, the tenants reject and mistreat his servants, even killing his beloved son. This parable is a stark reminder of how humanity has often rejected God’s messengers throughout history. The vineyard represents Israel, and the son represents Jesus Himself. The tenants’ refusal to acknowledge the owner’s authority reflects the spiritual blindness of those who reject God’s plan. Yet, the parable also offers hope: the vineyard will be given to others who will produce its fruit. This is a call to us to be faithful stewards of the gifts God has given us.
Both readings challenge us to examine our own lives. Are we like Tobit, remaining faithful even in difficult circumstances, or are we like the tenants, rejecting God’s grace and ignoring His call? The moral lesson is clear: faithfulness to God and His commandments leads to life, while rejection and disobedience lead to spiritual death. Let us strive to be good stewards of the vineyard God has entrusted to us, producing fruits of love, compassion, and fidelity. In doing so, we will not only honor God but also find true fulfillment in our lives.