Gospel for October 4 2020 – Matthew 21:33-43
Gospel Reflections for October 4 2020
We want change!
Maybe you want different pandemic responses, or better race relations, or new economic programs, or a calm Supreme Court nominee procedure.
All are good causes, but how you make changes is important. Today’s Gospel offers a successful path that is intelligent, peaceful, and non-violent.
A farmer owns great productive land. That was the most valuable thing a person could have at that time. Fertile land meant a great harvest, and since devastating famines were frequent, productive land was cherished.
A good farmer would focus and direct his efforts carefully to ensure his land provided food for his family. That kind of intelligent and directed focus is effective.
Unfortunately, this farmer places bad tenants in charge …who soon neglect their work. They wanted a change in how things were done and even mistreated other workers.
The farmer wisely sends messengers directly to those tenants to change their ways, but they are also violently mistreated. Finally, the “son of the farmer” is sent …and they even kill him!
The farmer sent his message directly to those bad workers. That clear focus on how to make a change is important. Change is more likely when focused on the correct cause of the problem. That takes some intelligent reflection. Impulsive violence always makes things worse, and those tenants who used violence came to a bad end. They did not get the change they wanted.
Impulsive rioting, looting, burning, or destroying stores and restaurants that are a much needed source of jobs these days help no one …nor any cause no matter how noble!
Vicious personal attacks on candidates, Supreme Court nominees, or even fellow voters with a different opinion of yours also never make any useful change.
This “son of the owner” in the story is, of course, Our Lord, and He was sent directly to change sinful people, and in a non-violent way too. Our Lord deeply loved even those who rejected Him. He offered a message of love for people to freely choose or not choose His path to salvation.
Everyone has ideas about how to change our nation today. Therefore, this is time to respectfully listen to all views and calmly make up your own mind. This is also a time to especially listen to Our Lord, who knows more about the right solutions than anyone!
The early Church followed His way, and in just a few generations, the violent Roman Empire had converted to Catholicism. That is a remarkable change!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
I had to really think about this for a while as no matter who is right we tend to want our way regardless of others. People being used for what purpose. In the end are there any winners. BUT GOD!!!!
Yes, I agree that this issue of changing someone else is always worthy of deeper reflection.
Hi Fr Dave: Wonderful insight on how this gospel relates to what is going on in our world today, My prayer is that more people hear this message. God bless, Argyle
That is my prayer as well! BTW, I had a great fishing day in Catalina this summer!
Once again, Fr. Dave makes a very relevant and timely point using the Gospel. Since even the Roman empire could be converted – obviously, if we pray for it, God can save our world to!
Yes, if the early church could convert Rome, we can learn from them!
Loved your beautiful commentary!!! Father Dave, when I was 18 attending Marymount College in Manhattan we debated West Point on Should the Further Development of Nucleur Weapons be banned by International Control!! Heavy topic and our Marymount held their own!! We were taught you stand for what you believe and debate the issue never put down the person!!! In our world our Christian beliefs and values have to go along with our Jesus’ Gospel, and Catholic values forPro Life, and end toAbortion, Roe Versus Wade to be overturned, law and order, living good moral values,etc… with sound debate and not animosity!!! I have a Circle of Love and always promote a Pro Life World and we pray beautifully for each other!!! I love my precious Faith and Dick andIwant to share its beauty with everyone!!! You were all blessed by our loving God and your priesthood is a precious gift to all of us!!! Dick and I are sooooooooooooooooooooooo happy you are in our lives!!! Stay safe in the protective arms of our lovingDod, our precious Jesus and our beautiful Blessed Mother for we need beautiful YOU!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, franca and Dick
Thank you!
Yes, Fr. Dave, do we ever need change!!!
Prayer is needed now, to affect Peace and Unity in a divided nation.
If we are in this together, “Hope springs Eternal”
Yes, hope always springs eternal!
Growing up in a ‘grocery store operated by my Dad He had a few Rental Houses and I was his go between with the tenants. I served Summons, Collected Rent , Showed property and learned to do background checks and had experience in drawing leases and managing Property. Quite an experience for a growing boy.
That makes this Reading one of my favorites and I look forward to it every time it surfaces..
I am just glad I lived through some of them but the Gift of learning how to deal with people in sad and difficult situations served me well in later life.
Thanks so much for sharing your personal experience of this Gospel. It makes it real and practical for you.
Dear Father Dave,
And “the son” was killed is heartbreaking.
Time for greater prayer for our loved ones and everyone….
God bless you. Thanks once again for your synopsis.
Kathleen A.
You are welcome!