Scripture Readings
Isa 5:1-7 Ps 79 Phil 4:6-9 Matt 21:33-43
First Isaiah was writing before 700 BC, when Assryia threatened and eventually overwhelmed Israel. Isaiah insists that only being faithful to God will protect the nation from disaster. Just in case his hearers don’t get the message, Isaiah adds that the unproductive vineyard is the house of Israel, where the Lord looked for justice but received bloodshed. The Lord had lavished care on Israel but they sinned against him, especially with crimes of injustice.
In his affectionate farewell to the Philippians, Paul urges them to “rejoice in the Lord always”, not anxious, but thinking about all that is good, letting the Lord know all their needs. Paul challenges them to imitate him in the way he relies on the Lord. Then God’s grace will bring them peace. Our God is the God of peace. He not seeking to catch us out, but longs for us to accept the peace he offers and to rely on him totally.
It is easy to see where Matthew got the idea for his parable in today’s Gospel, which follows immediately after last week’s story of the two sons. Matthew has brought Isaiah’s tale up to date with the murder of the prophets and even the Lord’s son. As with Isaiah’s prediction, Israel would again be devastated, in AD70.
Psalm Response: The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel
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