Once again, I offer a simple reflection on this Sunday's readings. Feel free to add your own.

The readings:

1 Corinthians 16:13-24
Matthew 21:33-42

In the epistle passage, Paul essentially delights in the growth of the Church and the sharing of the faith.

The gospel reading is the parable of the vineyard and the unfaithful servants. It describes the landowner who sends two sets of servants who are killed by the vinedressers. Then, he sends his son who is also killed. The moral of final severe judgment is then followed by a very stark statement by Jesus: "Did you never read in the Scriptures: 'the stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes"?

It is marvelous in our eyes? What a strange way to end this gospel reading! Yet, we must realize that Jesus is quoting Psalm 118 (119) vv 22-23.
The stone the builders rejected;
has become the cornerstone.

By the Lord has this been done;
it is wonderful in our eyes.

This psalm goes on:

This is the day the Lord has made:
let us be glad and rejoice in it

That is what Paul is talking about! We must rejoice in the present moment, in our present company. As we "greet each one with a holy kiss, We harvest the vineyard and offer it to the One who has provided it to us and "render to Him the fruits in their seasons."

John