Daily Gospel Reflection for October 5, 2014

Today's Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43

We see in this parable that God is the owner of the vineyard, His people are the tenants, His servants are the prophets and saints, and His son is our Lord Jesus. The chief priests and elders answered that the owner of the vineyard (God) would, "put those wretched men to a wretched death," who refused to give back the produce, who abused and killed His son. Yet what they could see in a parable, did not stop their evil intentions towards Jesus, the Son of God.

How often do we do the same thing? God blesses us with good things to plant in our vineyards. Jobs, warm housing, nice clothes, good food. Even more, most of us are blessed with luxuries every day above and beyond what we really need. What do we do when God wants us to give some produce back? Do we give it up easily because it's the right thing to do, or do we treat our Lord's request to love and help our neighbors with callous disregard in order to keep it all for ourselves?

Ponder:

Do I remember that everything I have is a gift from God? That my blessings and opportunities come from God?

Pray:

Help me, Heavenly Father, to be generous in all that I have and do. All that I am and all that I have are Your gifts meant to be shared with those around me. Bless me with humility to keep me from feeling entitled. Grant me a generous and compassionate heart to give willingly and joyfully. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Copyright 2014 Deborah Shelby