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When we read the Letters of the New Testament, we may reflect on the real life situations in which the author, or indeed the early Church in general, learned from Jesus the doctrine which they teach us. When St Peter in his Second Letter teaches us that God is patient with us all, not wanting anyone to be lost [3:9] and that we should think of the Lord's patience as our opportunity to be saved [3:15], we may reflect on the Gospel teaching of Jesus to see what he teaches us about God's patience. The parable which forms the second half of today's Gospel reading, among several other points of doctrine, quite clearly teaches us about God's patience.
The man who owns the vineyard represents God, or more specifically God the Father, while the vinedresser represents Jesus, who spent his public life - probably about three years - patiently working in the vineyard of Israel (cf. Isaiah chapter 5 and Jesus' several parables about vineyards and those who work in them, Matthew 20:1-16, 21:13-43 etc).
Father in Heaven we thank you and praise You for Your patient love for us. Grant that we shall never take your patience for granted but always receive it as a graceful opportunity for us to persevere in following Jesus Our Lord towards the fullness of salvation.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That the terminally ill may be supported by their faith in God and the love of their brothers and sisters.
Elaboration
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