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Protecting the Precious Gift of Faith in Christ

Sunday, October 5, 2008
Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm 80:9,12-16,19-20
Philippians 4:6-9
Matthew 21:33-43

Click Here for Mass Readings (For quick review only; bring your Bible)

One evening, an elderly man told his grandson, “I want you to have something.” Reaching into his desk, he pulled out a gleaming gold pocket watch, engraved with his initials. “I’m not always going to be around, so take this to remember me by.” The boy took it, said, “Thanks, Grandpa!” and ran home. Unfortunately, he didn’t understand how valuable this gift was: He sold it a few days later to buy his favorite computer game.

We could never imagine treating a precious heirloom like this—but what about our faith? That’s the point behind today’s Gospel reading. The Pharisees were entrusted with the priceless gift of God’s law. But many of them, like the young boy, didn’t value this gift. Instead of leading Israel to righteousness, they used the Law to promote themselves and their positions of power. As a result, when Jesus came, they had no room in their hearts for his message.

Jesus has given us something very special—his own life, planted in the depths of our heart. He wants us to embrace that life so that we can bear fruit for his kingdom. But like the owner of the vineyard, he won’t force himself on us. He leaves it up to us to decide whether we will nurture our faith or, like the unfortunate tenants in the parable, disregard it.

Of course, most of us don’t decide one day that we’re not going to follow Jesus anymore. It’s usually in the simple decisions of our lives that we grow closer to him or move further away. Today, look for opportunities to be a disciple. They’re all around you, whether it means taking the time to pray in the morning, helping someone when you’d rather be doing something else, or simply smiling when you’re upset. Situations like these are God’s ways of giving you another chance to grow closer to him—and to bear fruit that reveals his glory.

“Lord, help me to be open to your grace, so that I can multiply everything you have given me a hundredfold!”

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 meditation, we hear these words, ” Today, look for opportunities to be a disciple.” How is the Lord calling you to be a disciple of Christ as you live out your life as a Catholic man? What are you willing to do as a disciple of Christ to help the Church (your parish) be a more productive and fruitful vineyard?

 *Sunday Mass Readings and Meditations are used with permission from The Word Among Us

 
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