October 4, 2026, at Saint Peter the Apostle Church in Naples, FL
Isaiah 5: 1-7 + Psalm 80 + Philippians 4: 6-9 + Matthew 21: 33-43
We have to face a big challenge with this parable. It is so steeped in cultural images of the time that reaching in to hear or learn what Jesus is saying to us today is not easy. This parable assumes slavery. It treats violence as though it were an every-day experience. We are an urban people who have little to no experience with tenant farming. As a result, we get content to simply sit back and think that this is just an old story about those by-gone days and think that the Pharisees deserve what they get. We have to realize that Jesus is speaking about us and look beyond the images of this parable to get into the message.
To those addressed by this parable, Jesus is leading a reform movement, and they will not grant him any divine authority. Because of his reforming ideas, their very way of life, their income, safety, and privilege is threatened. So, the issue here is not the landowner. Even though we might make the connection between what the tenants do to the Son and the death of Christ, it is not about him either. It is about the attitude and behavior of those tenants. When first spoken the tenants were the Pharisees. When spoken today, the tenants are you and me.
Jesus first spoke this parable in the Temple. Today he speaks in this Church. He speaks to anyone who is satisfied with the way things are in this world, who are comfortable and secure. He speaks again to anyone who will not listen to the challenges of the Gospel ignoring the authority of the Word of God when it calls into question laws, policies, programs, economics, and any system that excludes the vulnerable and powerless.
When we let this Gospel speak today, judgement is passed on leadership. When it comes to that judgement, perhaps the fault lies not entirely with the tenants, but with a leadership that allows the fruits of this vineyard to be hoarded by some while others starve outside the walls.
In the end, after some serious reflection on our own openness and willingness to examine our participation in this scene, there stands the owner of this vineyard. What strange behavior there is here. He keeps sending servant after servant, when one after the other comes back bruised and broken, or not at all. Who is this? Only someone with unquenchable hope and almost unthinkable mercy. Surely judgment will come one day; but mercy hopes beyond hope for change.