Gospel reading: Mark 12:1-12

1 Jesus began to teach them by using picture-stories, saying, "There was a man who planted grapes in a field. He put a fence around it and made a place for making wine. He built a tower to look over the field. Then he let farmers rent it and went into another country.

 2 "The time came for gathering the grapes. He sent his servant to the farmers to get some of the grapes. 3 The farmers took him and beat him. They sent him back with nothing. 4 The owner sent another servant. The farmers threw stones at him and hit him on the head and did other bad things to him. 5 Again the owner sent another servant. The farmers killed that one. Many other servants were sent. They beat some and they killed others.

 6 "He had a much-loved son to send yet. So last of all he sent him to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' 7 The farmers said to themselves, 'This is the one who will get everything when the owner dies. Let us kill him and we will get everything.' 8 They took him and killed him. They threw his body outside the field. 9 What will the owner of the field do? He will come and kill the farmers. He will give the field to other farmers.

 10 "Have you not read what the Holy Writings say? 'The Stone that was put aside by the workmen has become the most important Stone in the corner of the building. 11 The Lord has done this. It is great in our eyes.' " (Psalm 118:22-23) 12 The leaders wanted to take Him but they were afraid of the people. They knew He had told the picture-story against them. They left Him and went away.

Meditation: What does Jesus' parable about an absentee landlord and his tenants say to us? The hills of Galilee were lined with numerous vineyards, and it was quite normal for the owners to let out their estates to tenants. Many did it for the sole purpose of collecting rent. Why did Jesus' story about wicked tenants cause offense to the scribes and Pharisees? It contained both a prophetic message and a warning. Isaiah had spoken of the house of Israel as "the vineyard of the Lord" (Isaiah 5:7). Jesus' listeners would likely understand this parable as referring to God's dealing with a stubborn and rebellious people.

This parable speaks to us today as well. It richly conveys some important truths about God and the way he deals with his people. First, it tells us of God's generosity and trust. The vineyard is well equipped with everything the tenants need. The owner went away and left the vineyard in the hands of the tenants. God, likewise trusts us enough to give us freedom to run life as we choose. This parable also tells us of God's patience and justice. Not once, but many times he forgives the tenants their debts. But while the tenants take advantage of the owner's patience, his judgment and justice prevail in the end. Jesus foretold both his death and his ultimate triumph. He knew he would be rejected and be killed, but he also knew that would not be the end. After rejection would come glory – the glory of resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father. How do we share in this glory? By submitting to Jesus' kingly rule in our lives. Jesus promises that we will bear much fruit (certainly the fruit of peace, righteousness, and joy, and much more besides) if we abide in him (see John 15:1-11). The Lord also entrusts his gifts to each of us and he gives us work to do in his vineyard – the body of Christ. He promises that our labor will not be in vain if we persevere with faith to the end (see 1 Corinthians 15:58). We can expect trials and even persecution. But in the end we will see triumph. Do you labor for the Lord with joyful hope and with confidence in his triumph?

Prayer: "Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which you have given us; for all the pains and insults which you have borne for us. O most merciful redeemer, friend, and brother, may we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, for your own sake!" (Prayer of St. Richard of Chichester, 13^th century)

Psalm 112:1-6

 1 Praise the Lord! How happy is the man who honors the Lord with fear and finds joy in His Law!
 2 His children will be powerful in the land. Each family who is right will be happy.
 3 Riches and well-being are in his house. And his right-standing with God will last forever.
 4 Light rises even in darkness for the one who is right. He is kind and has loving-pity and does what is right.