Scripture for Mass
Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm: 80(79):9, 12. 13-14. 15-16. 19-20. Response: Isaiah 5:7a
Philippians: 4:6-9
Matthew 21:33-43
Many people who are actively engaged in church ministries or activities are also involved in a bridge, athletic or golf club. Moreover, they generously share their time and talents with their local church as well as with these organisations.
However, while there are some similarities between our engagement in church ministries and our involvement in various other organisations, there ought also to be major differences.
In relation to the church, none of us is ever Director or Manager – rather, all of us are tenants, stewards and servants. Therefore, we are accountable to God who is the sole Owner and Employer.
And what are we accountable for? Keeping our parish school open? Ensuring that our church buildings are well maintained? Preventing the church accounts from falling into the red? Yes, these are important but only insofar as they serve God’s goal of channelling his love and mercy further and deeper into our world.
Moreover, our church activities and ministries ought never be focussed on maintaining a large community so that it can take pride in its strength and success. Neither should small communities simply focus on remaining viable so that they won’t be closed. Indeed, such an inward-looking emphasis in either a big or small faith community is the surest way to make it wither because we lose sight of our principal purpose which is to be a living instrument of God’s goodness and fidelity in the world.
When we participate in the church community with the same mindset as we engage in the local bridge, athletic or golf club, we are in danger of forgetting who the Vineyard Owner is, and run the risk of ignoring the wishes of the Master Gardener.
Gracious God, we thank you for the honour of being invited to labour in your vineyard.
We trust that you oversee the entire vineyard and have assigned our faith community and each of its members to tend to one small part of it.
Do not allow us to fall into the temptation of seeing ourselves as the owner or manager.
May we be diligent and faithful in carrying out your wishes even when we don’t fully grasp your vision or the purpose of certain tasks.
Grant us a spirit of stewardship and of eager collaboration with our co-workers in the service of your plan.
We ask this through Jesus, your Faithful Steward and our Master Gardener.
Amen
Fr. Tim Mulroy
