Sunday Readings Commentary and Reflections 27 th Sunday in Ordinary Time A October 5, 2014 In preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1 st Reading: Isaiah 5,1-7  1 Let me now sing of my friend, my friend's song concerning his vineyard. My friend had a vineyard on a fertile hillside; 2 He spaded it, cleared it of stones, and planted the choicest vines; Within it he built a watchtower, and hewed out a wine press. Then he looked for the crop of grapes, but what it yielded was wild grapes. 3 Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard: 4 What more was there to do for my vineyard that I had not done? Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes? 5 Now, I will let you know what I mean to do to my vineyard: Take away its hedge, give it to grazing, break through its wall, let it be trampled! 6 Yes, I will make it a ruin: it shall not be pruned or hoed, but overgrown with thorns and briers; I will command the clouds not to send rain upon it. 7 The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his cherished plant; He looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed! for justice, but hark, the outcry! The focus is on the vineyard of the Lord.

1 st Reading: Isaiah 5,1-7 Hardwork but no yield  1 Let me now sing of my friend, my friend's song concerning his vineyard. My friend had a vineyard on a fertile hillside; 2 He spaded it, cleared it of stones, and planted the choicest vines; Within it he built a watchtower, and hewed out a wine press. Then he looked for the crop of grapes, but what it yielded was wild grapes. What’s wrong?  3 Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard: 4 What more was there to do for my vineyard that I had not done? Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes? Demolition  5 Now, I will let you know what I mean to do to my vineyard: Take away its hedge, give it to grazing, break through its wall, let it be trampled! 6 Yes, I will make it a ruin: it shall not be pruned or hoed, but overgrown with thorns and briers; I will command the clouds not to send rain upon it. Vineyard to be destroyed = house of Israel  7 The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his cherished plant; He looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed! for justice, but hark, the outcry! A simple outline!

1 st Reading: Isaiah 5,1-7 Hardwork but no yield  1 Let me now sing of my friend, my friend's song concerning his vineyard. My friend had a vineyard on a fertile hillside; 2 He spaded it, cleared it of stones, and planted the choicest vines; Within it he built a watchtower, and hewed out a wine press. Then he looked for the crop of grapes, but what it yielded was wild grapes. What’s wrong?  3 Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard: 4 What more was there to do for my vineyard that I had not done? Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes? Demolition  5 Now, I will let you know what I mean to do to my vineyard: Take away its hedge, give it to grazing, break through its wall, let it be trampled! 6 Yes, I will make it a ruin: it shall not be pruned or hoed, but overgrown with thorns and briers; I will command the clouds not to send rain upon it. Vineyard to be destroyed = house of Israel  7 The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his cherished plant; He looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed! for justice, but hark, the outcry! Commentary  The passage is entitled the Parable of the Vineyard.  V.1 indicates that the story is in the form of a song, like a ballad.  Nobody knows its melody, like any other song in the Bible.  V.1 indicates that the vineyard sits on a fertile ground.  V.2 indicates how the vineyard is prepared: Spaded, cleared of stones, watchtower built, wine press hewn The best vines are planted.  Yet, to his friend’s surprise: it yielded wild grapes.

1 st Reading: Isaiah 5,1-7 Hardwork but no yield  1 Let me now sing of my friend, my friend's song concerning his vineyard. My friend had a vineyard on a fertile hillside; 2 He spaded it, cleared it of stones, and planted the choicest vines; Within it he built a watchtower, and hewed out a wine press. Then he looked for the crop of grapes, but what it yielded was wild grapes. What’s wrong?  3 Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard: 4 What more was there to do for my vineyard that I had not done? Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes? Demolition  5 Now, I will let you know what I mean to do to my vineyard: Take away its hedge, give it to grazing, break through its wall, let it be trampled! 6 Yes, I will make it a ruin: it shall not be pruned or hoed, but overgrown with thorns and briers; I will command the clouds not to send rain upon it. Vineyard to be destroyed = house of Israel  7 The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his cherished plant; He looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed! for justice, but hark, the outcry!  In v.3, the prophet solicits opinion from his audience (the dwellers in Jerusalem and Judah).  He expects them to give a correct opinion, or, take proper action to address his concern. V.3  In spite of the fertile ground and following the proper procedures in planting, his vineyard has not yielded the desired result. The owner wonders what he missed. What more could have been done? V.4  V.5 shows the owner’s frustration, and reveals his plan (judgment). To demolish everything To remove its protection Not to waste time cultivating and pruning it To allow thorns and weeds to grow Not to send rain upon it.

1 st Reading: Isaiah 5,1-7 Hardwork but no yield  1 Let me now sing of my friend, my friend's song concerning his vineyard. My friend had a vineyard on a fertile hillside; 2 He spaded it, cleared it of stones, and planted the choicest vines; Within it he built a watchtower, and hewed out a wine press. Then he looked for the crop of grapes, but what it yielded was wild grapes. What’s wrong?  3 Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard: 4 What more was there to do for my vineyard that I had not done? Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes? Demolition  5 Now, I will let you know what I mean to do to my vineyard: Take away its hedge, give it to grazing, break through its wall, let it be trampled! 6 Yes, I will make it a ruin: it shall not be pruned or hoed, but overgrown with thorns and briers; I will command the clouds not to send rain upon it. Vineyard to be destroyed = house of Israel  7 The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his cherished plant; He looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed! for justice, but hark, the outcry!  The purpose is to destroy it.  God, the owner, is so disappointed with his vineyard.  His investment and efforts went down the drain.  V.7 reveals the author’s concrete addressees: The house of Israel = the fertile ground The men of Judah = cherished plant They are God’s chosen people.  The desired product of this people: Judgment (justice), not bloodshed Justice, not outcry…

Reflections on the 1 st reading  God has taken good care of us.  He has made us capable of being productive.  God expects us to be fruitful.  There is no reason why we should not be productive (bear fruit).  To be unproductive (producing nothing for the good of the community) is unacceptable to God.  It earns the ire (judgment) of God.

Reflections, con’t  Seemingly, the parable is problematic. Why would God do violence to his people? This is hard to understand. Has God run out of patience and love?  The author contrasts the efforts of God and the gravity of the sin of the people.  The people Israel has failed to appreciate God’s love for her and continued doing whatever she wanted.  God does not allow such a hardheadedness and ungratefullness.  The prophetic words serve as a warning to us, who are not responsive to God’s prodding.

Maps ©1976,1978 UBS. Used with permission by Philippine Bible Society. Jerusalem

Resp. Ps 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16,  R. (Is 5:7a) The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.  9 A vine from Egypt you transplanted; you drove away the nations and planted it. 12 It put forth its foliage to the Sea, its shoots as far as the River.  13 Why have you broken down its walls, so that every passer-by plucks its fruit, 14 The boar from the forest lays it waste, and the beasts of the field feed upon it?  15 Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine, 16 and protect what your right hand has planted the son of man whom you yourself made strong.  19 Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name. 20 O LORD, God of hosts, restore us; if your face shine upon us, then we shall be saved.

Resp. Ps 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16,  R. (Is 5:7a) The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.  9 A vine from Egypt you transplanted; you drove away the nations and planted it. 12 It put forth its foliage to the Sea, its shoots as far as the River.  13 Why have you broken down its walls, so that every passer-by plucks its fruit, 14 The boar from the forest lays it waste, and the beasts of the field feed upon it?  15 Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine, 16 and protect what your right hand has planted the son of man whom you yourself made strong.  19 Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name. 20 O LORD, God of hosts, restore us; if your face shine upon us, then we shall be saved. Commentary  V.9 describes what God has done to Israel. He transported it to the Promised Land by driving away its occupants.  V.12 indicates the extent of the vineyard, Israel’s territory (from Red Sea or Meditarranean Sea to Mesopotamia).  In v.13, the psalmist asks God, “Why has he removed its protection?” Now it is vulnerable.  As a result, anybody can just come in and get its fruits; the wild animals destroy it.  In vv.15-16, the psalmist prays to God to intervene and to take care of his vineyard (Israel).  In v.19, the psalmist promises that the community will do better.  In v.20, the psalmist prays that God may restore (protect) the Israelites.

Reflections on the Psalm  We can be loved, we can be unloved. It depends on our behavior.  God can undo what he does to us.  We don’t expect God’s protection if we don’t do his commands.  Let us behave all the time.

2 nd Reading: Philippians 4,6-9  6 Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. 7 Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, 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. 9 Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you. The focus is on exhibiting proper Christian behavior.

2 nd Reading: Philippians 4,6-9 First set of imperatives (pray)  6 Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. 7 Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Second set of imperatives (do what is right)  8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, 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. 9 Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you. A simple outline!

2 nd Reading: Philippians 4,6-9 First set of imperatives  6 Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. 7 Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Second set of imperatives  8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, 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. 9 Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you. Commentary  In v.6, Paul exhorts Christians to free themselves from anxiety (not to worry). Instead they should take recourse to God by praying.  V.7 tells us what happens if we obey Paul’s recommendation. The peace of God will guard….  In v.8, Paul exhorts Christians to think (ponder, reflect) on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely…  In v.9, Paul exhorts Christians to be consistent in doing what they have learned from him.  V.9b tells the consequence: The God of peace will be with you.

Reflections on the second reading  We can put away anxiety if we approach God for our needs.  We continue doing good to calm our hearts. We reflect on / do… whatever is true (sincere, not deceptive) whatever is honorable (respectable, according to our dignity as human beings) whatever is just (responds to the needs of others, fair, fraternal) whatever is pure (does not lead you to sin, does not desire evil) whatever is lovely (admirable, laudable, delectable) whatever is gracious (inspiring, generous, touching hearts) if there is any excellence (not mediocre, hard work, focused) if there is anything worthy of praise (not shameful)  In other words, we must live virtuous lives.  Result: the God of peace will be with us (no anxiety).

Reflections, con’t  We can avoid unnecessary anxiety when we take recourse to God. Do you believe that?  We have less worries if we do the right thing always. Do you believe that?  If we put ourselves into precarious situations, endanger ourselves and others, if we are imprudent and tactless and do what is wrong, then we have all the reasons to worry. Do you believe that?

Maps ©1976,1978 UBS. Used with permission by Philippine Bible Society. Philippi

Gospel: Matthew 21,33-43  Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: 33 "Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. 34 When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. 35 But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. 36 Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. 37 Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, 'They will respect my son.' 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.' 39 They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 40 What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?" 41 They answered him, "He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times." 42 Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the scriptures: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes'? 43 Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit. The focus is on the vineyard of the Lord.

Gospel: Matthew 21,33-43 The Parable of the Vineyard  Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: 33 "Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. First attempt to get the share  34 When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. 35 But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. Second attempt  36 Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. 37 Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, 'They will respect my son.' Third and last attempt  38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.' 39 They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Punishment  40 What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?" 41 They answered him, "He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times." 42 Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the scriptures: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes'? 43 Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit. A simple outline!

Commentary  The story is addressed to the chief priests and the elders of the people (religious and political leaders of Israel, those who hold power over the people).  The characters of the story are the landowner (God), the tenants (chief priests and elders), the servants (apostles, disciples), and the son (Jesus).  The setting of the story is the vineyard.  The landowner plants a vineyard and lease it to tenants, who refuse to submit the produce and kill the servants, including his Son.

 The landowner eliminates the tenants and entrusts his vineyard to others.  What happens to the son is the climax of the story.  He is not spared of violence from the hands of the powers-that-be.  It is a pre-figuration of his impending death and resurrection. His violent death means rejection (rejected stone) by those leaders. But God makes him the cornerstone, “wonderful to behold.” Jesus is highly acceptable to God. God will raise him up.

Reflections on the gospel reading  There is no use struggling with God.  God will always have the upper hand.  Don’t deprive God of his rights.  Otherwise, he will come and get you.  Stop playing games with God.  You can’t outsmart him.  He will push through with his plan to establish his kingdom in our midst.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm  God expects us to produce good fruit. (1 st reading)  We pray to God that he may protect us. ( Psalm )  We enjoy the peace of God (or the God of peace) if we continue doing good. (2 nd reading)  God expects us to give what is due to him and to follow his Son. (gospel reading)

How to develop your homily/sharing  Is your life productive?  How can you be productive?  We are supposed to render back to God what is his, by being productive and just.

 In the first reading, God expects us to produce the desired fruit.  We must realize how much he has cared for us.  There should be no reason why we should bear bad fruit.  We do not ingratiate ourselves to God.  We must be appreciative of God’s effort with us, by responding according to his design.

 The second reading teaches us to live prayerful and virtuous lives.  If we want to be free from worries and anxieties, we must be keen on espousing what is good.  We make proper choices (God’s choice).  We avoid anything that is unbecoming to our dignity as children of God.  We live and bear fruit according to our faith.

 The gospel reading teaches us to give God his due. To give him justice and to accept his Son.  What happens if we do the opposite and not bear fruit?  God will come to get us. He will demolish us, his vineyard. (1 st reading)  We will never have peace of mind, we will always be anxious and worrisome. (2 nd reading)  God will exterminate us, his workers, and pass on the responsibility to others. (gospel reading)

 The eucharist is a sacrament that makes us productive.  In the eucharist, we submit ourselves to Christ.  In the eucharist, we rest our worries and anxieties to him.

Our Context of Sin and Grace  Unproductive  Nothing to contribute in the family or society  Anxiety attack  Panic attack  Worrying too much  Unfair practices  Violence  Appropriation of what is not ours (greed)  Rejection of Jesus’ teachings  Saints  Respect for human rights and God’s rights  Justice and peace, fairness  Spirituality of Stewardship  Desire for change  Fear of the Lord

Suggested Songs  When We Eat  Buhay Maging Maligaya  Theme of Life