Month: October 2020

Posted on

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

picture of many roads going in different directions and many confusing street signs

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Mass readings

First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10A
Responsorial: Psalm 23:1-6
Second Reading: Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14 OR 22:1-10

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101120.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

What an interestingly odd Gospel reading today. Don’t you think? Those who are invited turn their backs and are destroyed. Those who are invited and come are not guaranteed to remain. How is that fair?

Ok, maybe this reading isn’t as odd as it is disturbing. Why would those invited not come? Well, it’s all about distraction. In the Gospel, they are so caught up in their own lives – their businesses and their busyness – that they ignore the invitation.

Now maybe we can all relate to this in some way. We get caught up in work or in our activities, binge-watching a show or glued to social media. Have you ever looked up and thought to yourself, “Where did all the time go?” These little distractions can amount to sins if they keep us from our true purpose.

In The Screwtape Letters, “Letter 12”, C.S. Lewis writes, “You can keep him up late at night, not roistering, but staring at a dead fire in a cold room. All the healthy and outgoing activities which we want him to avoid can be inhibited and nothing given in return, so that at last he may say, as one of my own patients said on his arrival down here, ‘I now see that I spent most of my life doing neither what I ought nor what I liked.”

Sound familiar? These distractions that keep us from doing what we ought or what we like can seem so important in the moment. Believe me – I’ve been there and done that – and sometimes I think I keep falling into the same trap! Technology makes it all too easy to get lost on three-hour tour of nothing!

God invites us. We are invited! The first reading gives us a wonderful description: rich foods, choice wines, where death is destroyed and every tear is wiped away (Isaiah 25:6, 8). We are invited, but God will not make us come to him. We must freely choose. So, in the Gospel account those who chose to ignore eventually experienced the reality of their poor choices. They were wiped out!

What about the person who was invited and came to the party without a proper wedding garment? I think this person is like the bench warmer. You know the type – the person who comes to mass for any reason except out of commitment to Jesus Christ. This person might come out of obligation. Worse still, this person participates in the Eucharist – a taste of the heavenly banquet – but is not converted. They are so filled with their own sense of right and wrong that the words of Scripture can’t penetrate the heart. But really, this person comes without a wedding garment. In other words, the person does not come predisposed to the saving grace offered by God through his church.

C.S. Lewis closes this letter this way, “You will say that these are very small sins; and doubtless, like all young tempters, you are anxious to be able to report spectacular wickedness. But do remember, the only thing that matters is the extent to which you separate the man from the Enemy [meaning God]. It does not matter how small the sins are provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man away from the Light and out into the Nothing. Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick. Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one – the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”

Whoa! Listen, I wouldn’t recommend listen to the dramatized version of the Screwtape Letters, like the Radio Theatre version, on a cold, rainy night! But is this accurate? Look, most of us will never encounter the physical manifestation of evil, thank God! Lucifer’s greatest power is to plant seeds of fear and doubt. Lucifer can’t make us do anything, but by sowing doubt, discord, disunity, we put distance between ourselves and God.

Scripture says, “…let us rejoice and exult and give him glory, because the Lamb’s wedding feast has come…” (Revelation 19:6-9). Where will you be on that day?

Homework! Nourished at the table of the Word and Sacrament, let’s reflect on the following two questions.
1. What distractions occupy too much of my time?
2. Are there things I could be doing right now to help build the kingdom of God – to help my pastor and my parish community reach out to those on the margins?

I think our homework might help us refocus our attention. Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Ament!

Image Credit: Unknown. JPG file.

Notes: Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible quotes are taken from The Bible: A Study Bible freshly translated by Nicholas King. Buxhall, Suffolk UK: Kevin Mayhew, 2013.

References:
1. Hamm, Dennis, SJ. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academics, 2013. Kindle.
2. Lewis, C.S. The Screwtape Letters and Screwtape Proposes a Toast. Annotated Edition. New York: HarperOne, 2013. Kindle.
3. Mitch, Curtis and Edward Sri. The Gospel of Matthew. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2010. Kindle.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. Jesus invites sinners, but demands conversion, 543-46
2. The Eucharist is the foretaste of the Messianic Banquet, 1402-05, 2837

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101120.cfm
Lectionary: 142

Reading 1
Isaiah 25:6-10A
On this mountain the LORD of hosts
will provide for all peoples
a feast of rich food and choice wines,
juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.
On this mountain he will destroy
the veil that veils all peoples,
the web that is woven over all nations;
he will destroy death forever.
The Lord GOD will wipe away
the tears from every face;
the reproach of his people he will remove
from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken.
On that day it will be said:
“Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!
This is the LORD for whom we looked;
let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!”
For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain.

Responsorial
Psalm 23:1-3A, 3B-4, 5, 6
R. (6cd) I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
with your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

Reading 2
Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
Brothers and sisters:
I know how to live in humble circumstances;
I know also how to live with abundance.
In every circumstance and in all things
I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry,
of living in abundance and of being in need.
I can do all things in him who strengthens me.
Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress.

My God will fully supply whatever you need,
in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.

Alleluia
Ephesians 1:17-18
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
enlighten the eyes of our hearts,
so that we may know what is the hope
that belongs to our call.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel

Matthew 22:1-14 OR 22:1-10
Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people
in parables, saying,
“The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king
who gave a wedding feast for his son.
He dispatched his servants
to summon the invited guests to the feast,
but they refused to come.
A second time he sent other servants, saying,
‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet,
my calves and fattened cattle are killed,
and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’
Some ignored the invitation and went away,
one to his farm, another to his business.
The rest laid hold of his servants,
mistreated them, and killed them.
The king was enraged and sent his troops,
destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.
Then he said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready,
but those who were invited were not worthy to come.
Go out, therefore, into the main roads
and invite to the feast whomever you find.’
The servants went out into the streets
and gathered all they found, bad and good alike,
and the hall was filled with guests.
But when the king came in to meet the guests,
he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment.
The king said to him, ‘My friend, how is it
that you came in here without a wedding garment?’
But he was reduced to silence.
Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet,
and cast him into the darkness outside,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’
Many are invited, but few are chosen.”

or

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people
in parables, saying,
“The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king
who gave a wedding feast for his son.
He dispatched his servants
to summon the invited guests to the feast,
but they refused to come.
A second time he sent other servants, saying,
‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet,
my calves and fattened cattle are killed,
and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’
Some ignored the invitation and went away,
one to his farm, another to his business.
The rest laid hold of his servants,
mistreated them, and killed them.
The king was enraged and sent his troops,
destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.
Then he said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready,
but those who were invited were not worthy to come.
Go out, therefore, into the main roads
and invite to the feast whomever you find.’
The servants went out into the streets
and gathered all they found, bad and good alike,
and the hall was filled with guests.”

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ATC 20 Faithful Citizenship

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https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Hola and welcome to another edition of All Things Catholic. I’m your host, Deacon Rudy Villarreal, and together we will explore what it means to be Catholic. If you have a question that you’d like me to address, send it to me. You may use the comment form on the website or by email to rudy@deaconrudysnotes.org. I invite you to share this podcast with everyone, you know!

Whew! What a rocky time since our last episode! I continue to get calls about whether or not a Catholic can in good conscience vote for a Democrat this November. I don’t think I recall a more politically charged time in my lifetime! I wonder if the ‘60s were like this? So in today’s episode, we’re going to talk about faithful citizenship.

Let’s try to map out a few points to help us as Catholics – to help us as Christians. Why do we vote? As Christians, what is it that we’re trying to accomplish by our votes? What guidance is there for us when we vote?

Why do we vote?
For those of us who are blessed to live in democracies (and I’m using the term “democracy” generically to mean any form of participatory governance, including representative democracies), for those of us who live in democracies, we vote for many reasons not least of which is out of responsibility. <1> Our rights are not “free.” The freedoms we enjoy come with corresponding responsibilities, one of which is to vote. <2> In the United States, the government belongs to the people. <3>

So, we are or should tune into government. Citizens have a responsibility by our votes to shape and to guide public policy. At the heart of a well-functioning democracy is an educated, well-informed electorate. <4> While Thomas Jefferson did not specifically say this, this idea about the need for knowledgeable and well-informed voters is consistent with his writings.

As Christians, we are sent into the world to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15) <5> Pope Francis reminds us that our redemption has a social dimension because “God, in Christ, redeems not only the individual person, but also . . . social relations.” <6> And Pope Benedict XVI taught that “charity must animate the entire lives of the lay faithful and therefore also their political activity, lived as ‘social charity.” <7>

Next, let’s consider the question as Catholics, what is it that we’re trying to accomplish by our votes?
Ah, now this is a good question! We are trying to promote the dignity of the human person, the common good, subsidiarity, and solidarity. <8> Indeed, these four principles reflect the richness of our faith that the US bishops suggest we bring to the public square. <9> Now there is a lot of room on the political scale of the West for us to discuss and interpret what “human flourishing” means. There is no one right answer. Discernment, discussion, open and fair debate are key.

The first principle, the dignity of the human person, flows from our understanding of creation and the Incarnation. <10> From the creation accounts in Genesis, we believe that we are the image and likeness of God. Distorted by Original Sin, we believe that the Incarnation sanctified all creation – that grace rained down and soaked this world. This made humans more receptive to salvation through Christ Jesus.

These teachings are so foundational that they are part of the Nicene Creed. These aren’t words we recite at mass. These statements make up an operating philosophy that should guide how we treat each other – not only in coffee shops or in traffic but also in all aspects of our lives. How can there not be public policy implications?

The second principle is the common good, which is about encouraging human flourishing. <11> There’s a lot of room to interpret that idea, but I think that at a minimum that means we must make education available to all at least through high school and strive to maintain access to a free and open market and workplace. The “system” should not be rigged to exclude any citizen or legal person based on some contrived ideas (like sexism, racism, ageism). Again, there is a lot of room on the political spectrum for us to maneuver. <12>

The third principle, subsidiarity, means that decisions that can be made at the lowest level should be made at the lowest level when and where possible. At its core, we respect the family to make decisions appropriate to their household. For example, the government should not attempt to manage family life. Towns and cities should be given latitude to make decisions that affect their community. There are, of course, things that belong to the state or federal government. Providing for the common defense is an example of something that should remain at the national level. <13>

From our understanding of the fourth principle, solidarity flows the preferential option for the poor. <14> Scripture tells us that we are our brother’s keeper (Genesis 4-26). What does that mean, and are there any limits to this idea? This is another example of the wide latitude along the political spectrum we have to discuss this idea.

The richness that we bring is rooted in our biblical and theological tradition. <15>

How do we do this? The Church offers two suggestions to help us navigate the murky waters of politics: a well-formed conscience and the virtue of prudence. Just as a refresher, conscience is the interior voice of a human being, within whose heart, God’s inner law is inscribed. Moral conscience is a judgment of practical reason about the moral quality of human action. It moves a person at the appropriate moment to do good and to avoid evil. <16> Prudence is a virtue. Think of virtue as an intentional good habit that helps us grow closer to God in the way we live our lives. The Church teaches us that prudence helps us to “discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it.” <17> Together, these principles help us to do good and avoid evil. <18>

So, what guidance is there for Christians when we vote?
The US bishops give us some excellent guidance in their document Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. I’m going to include a link to a version you can download https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/upload/forming-consciences-for-faithful-citizenship.pdf, but you could also buy a printed copy if you’d prefer.

It is a helpful document, and I encourage you to read it. But neither the US bishops nor the Church tells us who to vote for or what political parties to support. As we’ve described above, there is a lot of room in our understanding of the deposit of faith to negotiate with each other along the political spectrum about what sorts of public policies advance our principles and values.

Putting it all together
We bring with us into the public square a rich tradition informed by faith and reason. We carry with us into our political parties the conviction in Jesus Christ to transform politics. “We should not let the party transform us in such a way that we neglect or deny fundamental moral truths or approve intrinsically evil acts.” <19> Now, if you were looking for straightforward advice about how to vote, I’m sorry to disappoint you! The Church won’t do that and nor should any responsible member of the clergy. Each of us is called to participate in the electoral process to the best of our abilities, guided by our consciences and the virtue of prudence. We should do our best to encourage our political parties to promote the dignity of the human person, the common good, subsidiarity, and solidarity.

Hang in there! The elections will be over before you know it! Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

You’re listening to All Things Catholic. What are your thoughts? Leave a comment – I’d love to consider what you’re thinking. If you’re on the webpage, just click the title of the podcast, then scroll to the bottom, and you should be able to post a comment. Do you have a question that you’d like me to address? Please send it to me using the comment form on the website, or send me an email to rudy@deaconrudysnotes.org.

This episode was produced by deacon rudy’s notes. Our theme music was composed by Silent Partner. You can find all sorts of helpful information on the website at www.deaconrudysnotes.org. I’m your host, Deacon Rudy Villarreal. All Things Catholic will be back next month and don’t forget to tune in for the weekend edition where we break open the Word. Peace!

Notes:
<1> Political scientist Larry Diamond suggests that democracy consists of four key elements: a political system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections; the active participation of the people, as citizens, in politics and civic life; protection of the human rights of all citizens; a rule of law, in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens. See Diamond, L., Lecture at Hilla University for Humanistic Studies 21 January 2004: “What is Democracy”; Diamond, L. and Morlino, L., The quality of democracy (2016). In Diamond, L., In Search of Democracy. London: Routledge.
<2> US Citizenship and Immigration Services provides a good description in their article “Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities” https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/learn-about-citizenship/citizenship-and-naturalization/citizenship-rights-and-responsibilities.
<3> Preamble of the Constitution of the United States, https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript.
<4> This statement reflects Thomas Jefferson’s ideas on education, see “Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia,” https://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/educated-citizenry-vital-requisite-our-survival-free-people-spurious.
<5> Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, vatican.va, no. 181.
<6> Ibid, no. 178.
<7> Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est, vatican.va, no. 29.
<8> United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Forming Conscience for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States, (Washington, DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2020), no. 5. https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/upload/forming-consciences-for-faithful-citizenship.pdf (accessed September 28, 2020).
<9> FCFC, “Introductory Letter.”
<10> FCFC, nos. 44-45.
<11> FCFC, nos. 48-52.
<12> FCFC, no. 55.
<13> FCFC, nos. 45-48.
<14> FCFC, no. 53.
<15> “These Catholic social principles reflect and flow from biblical and theological foundations. For example, the tradition grounds its fundamental commitment to human life and dignity in the sacredness of all human persons as revealed in their creation in imago Dei and the consecration of humanity in the Incarnation. A commitment to human rights flows from this fundamental human dignity.” Heyer, Kristin E., Prophetic & Public: The Social Witness of US Catholicism, (Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2006), 37. Also FCFC, 26-29.
<16> Pennock, Michael Francis, This is Our Faith (Notre Dame, Indiana: Ave Maria Press, 2018, 250-254, 359.
<17> FCFC, no. 19.
<18> FCFC, no. 21-30.
<19> FCFC, no. 14.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. The common good, 1905-12
2. Responsibility and participation, 1913-17

Posted on

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

charlie brown and linus cartoon charlie brown says my anxieties have anxieties

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Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 5:1-7
Responsorial: Psalm 80:9, 12-16, 19-20
Second Reading: Philippians 4:6-9
Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100420.cfm
https://deaconrudysnotes.org/

What a tumultuous time we are living in! But my brothers and sisters, I have good news! In today’s second reading, Paul tells us, “…don’t be anxious about anything…” (Philippians 4:6). Easy for him to say, right? It seems like these times are bursting with anxiety-inducing sentiments. How many of us have heard or given out advice that you should stop watching the news right now – or at least significantly reduce your news intake? These are rocky times, to be sure.

You know, today’s second reading is part of a letter Paul sent to the community. There were two women in Philippi who were very important to the community. They were leaders of some kind – people who undoubtedly were very helpful to Paul in his ministry. Yet they had a falling out – apparently a very big falling out. So great was their influence that their argument was tearing the community apart! People were taking sides. How can the faith grow – how can anything grow in such a toxic environment!

This entire story reminds us that we can all have differences of opinions in our families, our parishes, our dioceses, and even in our towns and our nation. Exploring our differences can be helpful. The process of trying to find middle ground can yield all sorts of fruit, some sweet and some a little bitter, but that’s the nature of compromise. But sometimes our disagreements can get out of hand. If we are not careful, our disagreements can tear our families and communities apart.

Isn’t that part of the Gospel message today? Those pesky tenants thought the rules didn’t apply to them. They thought they could change the rules to suit their needs even if violence was required to advance their cause. What does Jesus say? Way wrong answer! Yet, how many people allow things to get out of hand?

A friend of mine is an episcopal priest from the east coast, and he was telling me that he’s having a hard time working with a couple. They’ve been married for over 27 years, but they are heading for divorce. They’ve made up their minds and are only seeing him to check off a box on the way to the courthouse. Why are they divorcing? Because one is voting for Biden and the other for Trump.

Can you imagine? When I was a child, the word “politician” meant dishonesty. Oh, they worked hard, and I’m not saying they are all crooks, but despite what they said during the election, they wouldn’t always do what they promised. I can’t imagine letting someone I know isn’t completely truthful between my wife and me.

How is it that we are living in a time with so much anger? I think it’s because we’ve allowed ourselves to be filled with anxiety. We’re all drinking from fire hydrants like unfiltered social media and 24/7 news programs that are anything but fair and balanced. I think we’ve let those fire hydrants push Jesus to the edge of our lives – or washed him out completely!

I’ve recently discovered a French theologian whose work I’m just starting to dig into, but one of his ideas surprised me. He says that the present is a pivot point between the past and the future. Isn’t that an interesting idea? And it ties so well not only with Paul, but all the self-help ideas I’ve heard.

Why stress over the past? It’s already happened. You can’t undo it.

Why stress over the future? Time will unfold in ways we can’t control.

Instead, focus on the present.

What does that mean? As a student of history, I would suggest that rather than stressing over the past, we try to learn from it. I don’t always follow my advice, but doesn’t that make sense? It’s not let go and move on. It’s let go and learn. What about tomorrow? Well, tomorrow – more specifically, my dreams can’t happen unless I take steps today. So, I act today, informed by the past, with an eye toward the future. I must be present right here and right now. These simple actions help us let go of anxiety. But we can do better than that!

St. Paul tells us that instead of filling ourselves with anxiety – I would say sources of anxiety like too much social media or too much news – we should fill ourselves with praise and gratitude for what we have. We should try to see in these things what God has done for us in Christ.

Homework! Nourished by the Eucharist let’s put what we’ve learned in the readings to work!

1. First, what things cause you anxiety? Are you spending too much time on social media or are you glued to the news?
2. Second, how can you help people let go of their anxiety and experience the peace of Jesus Christ?

Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

Image Credit: Unknown. JPG file.

Notes: Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible quotes are taken from The Bible: A Study Bible freshly translated by Nicholas King. Buxhall, Suffolk UK: Kevin Mayhew, 2013.

References:
1. Hamm, Dennis, SJ. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academics, 2013. Kindle.
2. Mitch, Curtis and Edward Sri. The Gospel of Matthew. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2010. Kindle.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. The Church as God’s vineyard, 755
2. Gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, 1830-32
3. Prophets are the servants, Christ is the Son, 443

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100420.cfm
Lectionary: 139

Reading 1
Isaiah 5:1-7
Let me now sing of my friend,
my friend’s song concerning his vineyard.
My friend had a vineyard
on a fertile hillside;
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.

Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and people of Judah,
judge between me and my vineyard:
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?
Now, I will let you know
what I mean to do with my vineyard:
take away its hedge, give it to grazing,
break through its wall, let it be trampled!
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.
The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel,
and the people of Judah are his cherished plant;
he looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed!
for justice, but hark, the outcry!

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

Reading 2
Philippians 4:6-9
Brothers and sisters:
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters,
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.
Keep on doing what you have learned and received
and heard and seen in me.
Then the God of peace will be with you.

Alleluia
John 15:16
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord,
to go and bear fruit that will remain.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Matthew 21:33-43
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:
“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.
When vintage time drew near,
he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce.
But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat,
another they killed, and a third they stoned.
Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones,
but they treated them in the same way.
Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking,
‘They will respect my son.’
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.’
They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him.
What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?”
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.”
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?
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.”