Posted by The WORD in other words (2022) by Fr Melchor Bernal SVD — Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City
Friday 2nd Week of Lent
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Inspirational talks, conferences, leadership workshops, etc., are full of stories and anecdotes about overcoming obstacles before reaching the goal or the summit. One of these obstacles is rejection.
Those who have applied for a job, sought promotion, written a thesis or dissertation, or a book may have experienced initial rejections before their work sees the light of day. Even Jesus suffered tremendous rejection in the form of crucifixion. Reaching the goal requires passion, commitment, and skills.
In this Gospel story, the vineyard and its fruits can only be enjoyed after overcoming a series of rejections, even murderous rejections. Eventually it was awarded to “a people that will produce its fruit.” God gave us his vineyard to work on and take care of.
Like the tenants, we became too focused on our self-interests. We prioritized ourselves, to the extent of violently rejecting God’s messengers, even his Son. Self-interest prevents us from producing the fruit that God desires.
An integrated heart and mind open to ever-nourishing grace allow us to mature and be ready for the vintage harvest. It is only when we set aside self-interests that God’s grace flows through us to others. That is the genuine vintage.
At the feast at Cana, the vintage wine was served after the servers did what the Blessed Mother told them, “Do whatever he tells you.”
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