Being in the image and likeness of God is first and always God's work in us. We share in the divine nature because He chose to share His own nature with us: He created us in His own likeness. This fulfils our deepest needs and holds the promise of future glory for us. Not that this is merely automatic, however: we have our part to play in that we must do our utmost to become all that our creation enables us to become.

In the Gospel we can visualise the owner of the vineyard in the parable having to put much care into his property in a hot, dry country. We can think of ourselves as this precious vineyard that God has taken such care of. He has a right to expect a good harvest. We can also think of ourselves as God's stewards, trusted by Him to carry out His work in the world. If we are as negligent as the tenants in the parable we too may end up rejecting God's Son, our Saviour.