主日讀經反思 Sunday Scripture Meditation (02/10/2011)

本主日讀經︰
依撒意亞先知書　5:1-7
聖詠　80[79]:12-16,19,20
斐理伯書　4:6-9
瑪竇福音　21:33-43

默想︰

今天的第一篇讀經和福音的訊息十分相似，但又不一樣。因著聽眾的不同，兩個萄葡園的故事也有些微差別。依撒意亞和耶穌從聽眾的生活方式得到靈感，以象徵說明天主和祂創造的人類的關係。在依撒意亞的故事，萄葡園象徵以色列人，他們是主人 (天主) 所揀選和培植的。但不幸地，他們卻沒有結出相稱的果實。除非他們悔改和回應主人殷勤的照顧，否則萄葡園會回復未開發前的荒涼。

福音中耶穌問司祭長和民間長老，怎樣處置家主悉心照顧，但沒有結出相稱果實的萄葡園。在不自覺之間，司祭長和民間長老審判了自己，因為他們沒有把握天主給與的新機會，結出相稱的果實。耶穌警告他們，天主會把萄葡園交給做得更好的新園戶。事實上，這些新園戶就是萄葡園，他們就是當時瑪竇年代的教會成員、基督的身體。耶穌也警告他們必須結出果實。我們就是今天的園戶、現在的萄葡園。

天父，讓我們相稱祢的召叫，願我們成為祢期望中的肥沃的葡萄園。


【摘自和平十月號】


Readings (Year A) page 4:
Isaiah 5: 1-7
Psalm 80: 9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20
Philippians 4: 6-9
Matthew 21: 33-43

What can a parable about the mis-managment of a vineyard tell us about the kingdom of God? Jesus' parable contained both a prophetic message and a warning to the religious community and its leaders. Isaiah had spoken of the house of Israel as "the vineyard of the Lord" (Isaiah 5:7). Isaiah warned his people that their unfaithfulness would yield bad fruit if they did not repent and change. Jesus' listeners would likely understand this parable as a healthy reminder that God will in due time root out bad fruit and put an end to rebellion.

What does Jesus' parable tell us about God and the way he deals with his people? First, it tells us of God's generosity and trust. The vineyard is well equipped with everything the tenants need. The owner went away and left the vineyard in the hands of the tenants. God, likewise trusts us enough to give us freedom to run life as we choose. This parable also tells us of God's patience and justice. Not once, but many times he forgives the tenants their debts. But while the tenants take advantage of the owner's patience, his judgment and justice prevail in the end.

Jesus foretold both his death and his ultimate triumph. He knew he would be rejected by his own people and be killed, but he also knew that would not be the end. After rejection would come glory – the glory of resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father. The Lord continues to bless his people today with the gift of his kingdom. And he promises that we will bear much fruit if we abide in him and remain faithful to him (see John 15:1-11). He entrusts each of us with his gifts and grace and he gives each of us a particular work to do in his vineyard – the body of Christ. He promises that our labor, especially what we do for him, will not be in vain if we persevere with faith to the end (see 1 Corinthians 15:58). We can expect trials and difficulties as we labor for the Lord, and even persecution from those who oppose God's kingdom. But in the end we will see triumph. Do you labor for the Lord with joyful hope and with confidence in his victory?

Don Schwager – Daily Scripture Readings & Meditations