Gospel Reflections for October 8 2017
We want a change…
We want a change in mass shootings and violence. We want a change in North Korea too. Some NFL football players also want to send a message of change. All are good causes, but how we make changes is important.
The Gospel presents a person who owns good farmland. That was the most precious thing a person could have in the ancient world. Land meant growing food, and since devastating famines were frequent, productive land was valuable.
A good farmer would focus his efforts carefully to ensure his land provided food for his family, and maybe even the whole village.
Unfortunately, this farmer places bad tenants in charge …who soon neglect their work and even mistreat other workers. They wanted a change in how things were run and so they resort to violence. There is nothing wrong with wanting change but how you go about it is important.
If you discovered workers were neglecting your fields, wouldn’t you be upset? Of course! Your own family and even the whole village would be in danger.
The Gospel farmer wisely sends messengers directly to those tenants to change their ways, but they are violently rejected. Finally, the “son of the farmer” is sent …and they even kill him!
This “son of the owner” is Our Lord, and He was sent directly to change sinful people, and in a non-violent manner too.
The farmer sent his message directly to those bad workers. That clear focus on how to make a change is important. For example, we send messages of peace directly to North Korea. Our efforts to stop mass shootings and terrorism must be just as direct and focused.
Some NFL players send a message, originally about police violence …by kneeling and not standing during the National Anthem, which has an unclear connection to their cause, is unfocused, and so confusing to many people. Moreover, contrary to popular opinion, they do not have free speech during their work hours! NFL work rules require standing respectfully. In this tragic week, better to kneel in prayer, not protest.
The Gospel farmer wants to use his land for good. I hope that NFL players, and each of us after the tragic events in Las Vegas, will use our gifts and talents in clear and focused ways, and produce good results for ourselves and our family.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Nicely and accurately put. Thanks for your level-headed and timely thoughts on this, Father Dave.
You are welcome!
I really like the way you think. The message is spot on. Might have to nominate you to run for Congress!😊
I will gladly serve in Congress as long as I never have to leave here! (better weather!)
Thank you for your compassion and desire to teach us about the Gospel.
It is confusing sometimes in this world. I thank you for allowing me to experience this glorious time on this blessed 1st. Saturday of the month.
May the whole world experience peace and love as we pray for the kingdom of God to dwell in our hearts and on this earth.
Bless you Fr. Dave
Well said.
Father Dave,
Thank you for your response to the NFL players who kneel and not stand during the National Anthem. Your words finally helped me get a clear and better understanding as to why the Players should not use the “work hours” to express free speech. They are on contract and on the job as employees with the NFL during the games and are required by their NFL contract rules to stand respectfully during the National Anthem. I knew in my heart that it was not right and now I understand why.
Thank God for the Gospels and for you to help us understand their message.
Thank you,
JoAnn Gonzales
I am so glad you liked the article. I hope the players find a better way to express themselves.
Amen!!!
Thank you!
Fr. Dave,
I always like your weekly commentaries but today you really nailed it. You are spot on. How about running for Congress? 🙂
Regards,
Roman
As long as I stay here in Southern California!
I’m so excited to be connected to your newsletter. All the parishioners at Holy Angels truly missed you when your time to leave came. Wish we lived closer to Whittier to come hear you on Sundays.
Thank you for your very kind message!
I see what you mean: the tenant farmers wanted there to be a change to a bigger cut in the operation, but they went about it in the wrong way. They did not ask the land owner for a bigger cut, instead they tried to take the whole farm by force.
The land owner wanted change too: he wanted the farm to prosper and to be run wisely. He went about it the right way. He sent representatives directly to the farmers to seek a peaceful way of change.
When the farmers killed his son (Jesus), the story says, “What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes? “They answered him, “He will put those wretched men to a wretched death.” Let’s hope that this message will be heard and understood by those contemplating evil and that they find better ways to make the changes they want.
Yes, we share the same hope of the Gospel writer.
In the aftermath of all the tragedies all over the world and especially in our own
country, we see the face of evil threatening our very existence.
What can we do to defuse this monster and send him on his way
The greatest source for change that we have is calling on the Lord in prayer for the
conversion of sinners and also for ourselves to follow “His Way” in a purposeful
way of life.
Yes, that prayer for the conversion of sinners should be our prayer every day.