These studies are courtesy of The National Fellowship of Catholic Men

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Here is the study for 6:30 am, Saturday morning, October 1st, 2005 in the Hearth Room at Epiphany.

{Yes, this is the day of the Epiphany Marathon at the Coon Rapids Dam, so some of us may have to leave early}

Bearing Fruit for the Lord, A Lifelong Mission

Sunday, October 2, 2005
Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm 80:9,12-16,19-20
Philippians 4:6-9
Matthew 21:33-43
 

Click here for the Readings

Jesus’ parable of the tenant farmers communicates very effectively. You can tell because, as he closed this story of the sharecroppers’ horrible crimes, his indignant audience recommended the harshest punishment for them. You can also tell it was a gripping story because it took his listeners—the chief priests and Jewish elders who were opposed to him—a moment to realize that they were the villains portrayed in the parable. Once they grasped what Jesus was saying, these religious leaders vowed to silence Jesus (Matthew 21:45-46).

In our haste to condemn the farmers (as well as Jesus’ enemies), we may forget how easy it can be for us to fall into the same trap. Comfortable with our lives, we forget that all we are and all we have is merely on loan from our heavenly Father. He not only deserves a share of the profits, he has the right to call in his capital without notice.

We can apply the poignant words of the vineyard owner in the first reading to the church today. Despite God’s vision for a fruitful garden where his beloved children enjoy intimacy with him, weakened moral and catechetical walls leave us vulnerable to the raids of secular thinking and doctrinal relativism. Although we certainly have real enemies in the outside world, they gain power from our own attitudes and divisions.

Wherever this parable catches us, we stand in need of God’s mercy. If we are the unappreciated messengers, God hasn’t given up—but he may require more sacrifice. If we are repentant old tenants or embarking on a new endeavor, God wants a fresh acknowledgment so that he can carry out his vision through us. Sometimes this means clearing the ground and starting anew. But other times it simply means making a few adjustments and continuing to move forward. Whatever our situation, let’s do all we can to give the Lord his due!

“Lord, my life is yours. My time is yours. Every member of my family is yours. My home is yours. My job is yours. My resources are yours. My health is yours. My future is yours. I receive all this humbly from your hand, and I offer it back gratefully to you. Help me to work with you to make my environment more like your kingdom.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

  1. In today’s first reading, the Lord reminds us of how much he has cared for us, and how he longs for us to bear fruit in our lives. The Lord also invites us to “judge” the fruits of our life and determine what areas need to bear more fruit. What areas (is there one) in your life do you believe the Lord wants you to focus on to bear more fruit? How will you do this?

     
  2. The responsorial psalm continues the metaphor of the vineyard and the vine and prays that the Lord would restore his vineyard and give it new life. As “temples of the Holy Spirit” and “living sacrifices,” perhaps, the Lord is inviting us to the Sacrament of Reconciliation to continue this restoration process? How important is this wonderful sacrament of God’s forgiveness and mercy in your life?

     
  3. After having been asked to consider our lives and its fruit, the second reading reminds us that the grace and power to bear more fruit comes from God. The reading begins by telling us not to be anxious and that, if we pray and petition the Lord, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds. What are the areas in life where you long for more of God’s peace? How can you integrate these prayers and petitions to God for this peace more fully into your personal times of prayer?

     
  4. In the Gospel, Jesus repeats the story of the vineyard. All these readings are asking us to take very seriously the question of being fruitful. What are the sacrifices you are willing to make to be more fruitful in your life?

     
  5. Jesus also expands on the story by telling us just how far the landowner (God) will go to help the vines produce: he even sends his own son to die! How often during an average day do you turn to the Lord to reflect on his great love and mercy, and what he has done so that you could have eternal life with him? How often should you? What are the obstacles that keep you from doing this? What steps can you take to make the Lord more a part of your day?

     
  6. In the prayer at the end of the meditation, we offered all that we are and have to the Lord, because they rightfully belong to him. We also asked for God’s help to make our environment more like his kingdom. What are you willing to do to help the Church (your parish) be a more productive and fruitful vineyard?

     
  7. Continue to pray for your Church, and for one another that each of you would be more fruitful for the Lord. Share the results at future meetings.

 

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen


Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen