“DIDJA KNOW?”
by: Deacon Paul Rooney (deaconpaul@cox.net)
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
(Cycle “A" – October 2, 2005)

Q. 339:   How can God “take back” his gifts?   Is it fair to choose and “call” a people, and then to reverse your action?

A. 339:   The ending of today’s gospel (Mt 21:43) is one that always gives me goose-bumps!   Jesus says, “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.”  Think about it.   If those specially “chosen” - our ancestors of salvation history - can lose the kingdom of God, then what are the implications for those of us to whom it was subsequently given?

“Producing fruit” can be boiled down today to the concept of Christian stewardship.   This means involvement in spreading the kingdom of God - using our time, talent and treasure to achieve this one goal.   Where true justice and love prevail, and where the Holy Trinity is freely worshipped, you know the kingdom of God is present.   Can you even imagine a true “kingdom of God” without his Son, and without the Holy Spirit?

But the “call” to produce fruit is an invitation, not a forced demand.   It is within our own choosing to either “reject” or “accept” that invitation to work in His vineyard, the tillage of God.   Actions disclose the condition of the heart; so after accepting the invitation, we need to diligently pursue those activities which result in “fruit,” the spreading of the kingdom of God.

KNOW YOUR CATECHISM! Jesus Christ is the true vine in the “tillage of God,” the cultivated field which is his Catholic Church (CCC #755).  Will you consent to be the healthy soil through which he wants to produce results?   The “promise” was taken away from the “wicked tenants” -- a sobering reminder of what can happen to us if we “reject” the Son by refusing to be useful soil (CCC #443).  Exactly how are you being a “steward” in His kingdom?

Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha