Daily Readings - Mon Jun 05 2023
Mark
1He then began to speak to them in parables: "A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey.2At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard.3But they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty-handed.4Then he sent another servant to them; they struck this man on the head and treated him shamefully.5He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed.6"He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, 'They will respect my son.'7"But the tenants said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.'8So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard.9"What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.10Haven't you read this scripture: "'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;11the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?"12Then they looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.
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.