October 5 - Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time: God's Patience versus Our accountability

 

First Reading : Isaiah 5:1-7
The Lord compares the house of Israel to a vineyard.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 80:9,12-16,19-20
The Lord protects his vineyard, the house of Israel.

Second Reading : Philippians 4:6-9
Paul encourages the Philippians to stay faithful to the teaching they received from him.

Gospel Reading : Matthew 21:33-43

Today’s parable teaches us about the need to produce fruit in our lives. God gave us his vineyard so that we would produce a bountiful harvest for Him and not remain lazy and selfish. The parable teaches also about God’s patience with us and our accountability to God. The vineyard owner made three efforts to get the tenant farmers to change their ways. When he saw more patience was futile, he passed judgement on the tenants. He held them accountable for their actions. It is the same way with God and us. Our heavenly Father is infinitely patient. But the time will come when God’s patience will give way to judgement. We, too, will be held accountable for our actions.