For the third Sunday in a row we hear imagery about a vineyard in the Liturgy of the Word. Today we hear about all of the necessary care for the vineyard – spading the earth, clearing away stones, planting the choicest vines, building a watchtower and a wine press. All of this care and attention is necessary for the vineyard to produce abundant fruit.
The vineyard is one of the images of the Church. Here is what the Vatican II document on the Church says: “The Church has been planted by the heavenly farmer as a choice vineyard. The true vine is Christ who gives life and fruitfulness to the branches, that is, to us, who through the Church abide in Christ without whom we can do nothing” (n. 6).
In your journey of faith, how have you experienced the strong and tender care of God as a member of God’s people? What is your part in helping this vineyard to be fruitful?