27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isa 5:1-7
Phi 4:6-9
Mt 21:33-43
“It was the stone rejected by the builders that became the keystone.”
‘Frasier’ is my absolute favourite TV show. In one episode, he meets his Jewish girlfriend’s mother and wants to serve wine. Not having anything kosher, Frasier’s brother, Niles, adds sugar into the excellent French wine. “Dreadful,” exclaimed Frasier. Niles then retorts, “That’s perfect”.
I drank several local wines while backpacking in Israel and agree that they are rather sweet. Not dreadful, but barely drinkable! Imagine my surprise when I read that winemaking in Samaria and Judah existed 1500 years ago. Way longer than winemaking in Europe.
The disappointing quality of Jewish wine is symptomatic of many vineyard references in the bible. Today’s gospel reading from Matthew 21 highlights the wanton behaviour of the tenants of the vineyard. The owner of the vineyard (God) sent his servants to collect payments due. The tenants either abused or killed them. Eventually, they also killed his son, who was sent to the tenants. Jesus told this parable to the Jewish leaders and scribes. He was rebuking them by comparing the leaders to the tenants that killed the servants (i.e. prophets) and then the son (Jesus himself). In the end, Jesus warned that the owner of the vineyard (God) will himself remove the undeserving tenants and give it to others more worthy.
This parable carries a stark message for us today. As Christians, we must practice the truth of our faith. This means doing ordinary Catholic things well, like faithfully attending mass (especially on holidays), reading the bible daily, praying and helping in a parish community. Consistency is key to ensure we don’t become complacent Catholics. Otherwise, like the tenants in this parable, we risk having our faith and the reward of eternal life taken from us.
Several years ago, my wife and I became one of the mentor couples for the Marriage Preparation Course ministry. During the sharing session, I always tell the true story of how I married her. We went on our first date in March 1993 and I proposed in May 1993. It took two proposals before she said ‘yes’. At this juncture, the participants would react in amazement as the average courtship before marriage is in years, rather than days. Without fail, the ladies in the group would ask my wife why she said yes. I usually reply that it’s because of my charming personality and winsome smile. Sadly, the reaction from everybody is universally incredulous. It is a true story!
Perhaps the other reason is my promise to her that we will faithfully attend mass together, even on holidays. We have been married for 29 years and have been on countless vacations. I have kept my promise as she has not missed any masses at all, including daily mass. My dream vacation is to go on a cruise one day when there is a Catholic priest on board!
Every day, I struggle to want to read the bible or pray or do a reflection. I am definitely still a work in progress. However, my wife’s consistency in going for mass has helped me to be consistent too. For this, I am really happy and grateful.
I do not sit with my wife at Sunday mass now as I have joined the 7am choir in St Francis Xavier. But she sits near enough to nod at me during the sign of peace. Amen.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Andrew Sia)
Prayer: Lord, help us to pray and read your word daily.
Thanksgiving: Thanks be to God, for giving us the chance of eternal life with you.
OXYGEN 
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