Friday of the Second Week of Lent
Matthew 21:33-43; 45-46
Recognising the True Owner of the Vineyard

In today’s fast-paced world, we often fall into the trap of believing that we are the sole masters of our lives. The parable of the vineyard reminds us of the truth – our lives are not our own. God has entrusted each of us with the gift of life, asking us to nurture it and bear fruits of love, justice, and compassion. Yet, pride can cloud our vision, leading us to act as owners rather than stewards. When we grasp tightly to control, we forget that everything we have – our talents, relationships, and even our very breath – is a gift from God.

Like the vineyard workers in the parable, we can become possessive and self-centred. Pride leads us to believe we have all the answers, luring us to disregard God’s messengers and His truth. How often do we dismiss the voices of those who correct us, or resist the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Our harsh words, stubborn hearts, and refusal to forgive can turn us into ‘murderers’ in spirit, harming those around us and shutting out God’s grace.

Yet, even in our rebellion, God never ceases to reach out. His greatest gift is His Son, Jesus, who calls us back to Himself. The question is – will we welcome Him or cast Him out? When we choose to follow the fleeting values of the world rather than the Gospel, we risk expelling Christ from our hearts.

Today, God invites us to reflect on our role as stewards. Are we cultivating the vineyard of our lives with justice, mercy, and love? Let us turn to Jesus with humility, offering our gains and our failures. He is always ready to forgive and guide us. May we open our hearts, recognise the true Owner, and bear the fruits that give life to the world.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025