The Holy Martyr Callinicus
2 Corinthians 1:1-7; Matthew 21:43-46
Read Matthew 21:43-46
Today’s Gospel lesson picks up at the conclusion of the parable of the tenants and the vineyard. The Lord was very intentional about this parable and the message he was giving. Thus his message greatly offended the ruling class and fuelled hatred towards him. These are challenging words to hear, “the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it.” These words do not only apply to the Jews, but they also speak to us. The Lord desires fruit. St. John Chrysostom says, “By fruit, he referred to their obedience, demonstrated through their works. But even here they exhibited their wickedness. They not only failed to give the fruit, after having enjoyed so much care, thus displaying their laziness, but also were angry with the servants who came.”
Ultimately obedience is a sign of love as it is a self-offering in submission to the other. How do we show love for the Lord, who has done so much for us? To the One who has given us life, who expresses daily radical generosity and blessing. To the One who loves us so much that He willingly entered into our sinful, broken and death filled condition in order to lift us up out of Hades into Paradise. To the One who washes us, feeds us and illumines us in and through the Sacraments. What can we offer in return as an act of thanksgiving, but the fruit of our obedience expressed in works.