THERE IS NO NEED TO WORRY

XXVII SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Matthew 21:33-43

Throughout Paul’s letters, we can find true gems that summarise in a few words either the Christian beliefs or the Christian attitude. In this Sunday’s second reading, taken from Philippians 4:6-9, Paul presents the attitude with which we should face life. In a world filled with worries, Paul advises: “There is no need to worry”. We must realise that we do not pass through the world alone. God is by our side and we are in his tender hands. Jesus had already told his disciples: “I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Mt 6:25). We must put our trust in the Lord, who will not desert us. It is this reassurance that brings peace to our hearts.

In case we are faced with some serious problem, Paul advises us to present it to the Lord, saying: “pray for it, asking God for it with prayer and thanksgiving”. Our prayer must be accompanied by an attitude of thanksgiving. In all times and places, we must give thanks to God (Ep 5:20) for his care, mercy and love.

Entrusting ourselves to the Lord, we may concentrate our attention on what is important. And Paul reminds us of that:

“fill your minds with 

everything that is true, 

everything that is noble, 

everything that is good and pure, 

everything that we love and honour, 

and everything that can be thought virtuous or worthy of praise.”

By doing that, our behaviour becomes profoundly human, allowing God’s glory and goodness to be reflected in our lives. With such type of behaviour, our hearts become fertile soil, and we will produce fruits that will gladden God’s heart.

In the gospel, the parable of the vineyard presents the drama of the human history and of God’s people, who rebel against God in order to become the owners of the vineyard, that’s of their own lives and of human history. We forget that the vineyard - that is the church, the nation, the world and the universe - does not belong to us and we are accountable for what we do in the vineyard of the Lord. The tenants behaved as the owners of the vineyard and were ready to kill the owner’s son so that they alone would have a claim to the vineyard. In the end, they were criminals, who deserve to be punished.

Do we recognise God as our Lord? Are we ready to give thanks and praise to him?