TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
October 4, 2020

We are the vineyard of the Lord. He takes care us of as His own possession. He nurtures and prunes us with such care worthy of an only child. But after a period of relentless investment in a vineyard, the owner comes to reap the harvest. It is natural to expect a harvest that is commensurate with the amount of investment in labor. How disappointing it is to find no fruits on the vine. At the apex of God’s creation He places us humans. He made us like no other creatures, endowed us with wisdom, knowledge and beauty. As the Psalmist recognizes: He has made us little less than a god, put all things under our feet and gave us power over the works of His hands. “What is man that you keep Him in mind”-Psalm 8. And He continues to nourish us each day through His Word and sacraments so we can bear fruits. In today’s second reading, Saint Paul reminds us of what those fruits must look like in the following words: “Finally brethren, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” As Catholic Christians so much privilege has been thrown into our lap. It is a blessing that is at the same time a responsibility. May we never allow the grace of God to be in vain, Amen.