Daily Devotional for December 7

 

December 7                                              Matthew 21:33-46

It is easy to think of this passage as history. The owner of the
vineyard is God, the tenant farmers are the Jewish people, the
fruit is righteousness, the servants sent to collect God's due
are the prophets, and Jesus is the heir. Of course! It is so easy
to reflect on how wicked they were in the past.

What is more difficult, yet more appropriate, is to apply this
parable to ourselves. All that we have is a gift from God; do
I remember God as the source of all life and goodness? God's
messengers come before us even today to remind us of our
right relationship with God; have I welcomed these "servants
of the householder"? Jesus is the unique Child of God sent
to bring us the Word of God; do I receive Christ without reser-
vation into my life? We are called to be faithful stewards of
all God has bestowed on us; do I render to God the fruit of
my labor?

What if God's judgment began with the Church? "For the time
has come for judgment to begin with the household of God;
and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who
do not obey the Gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4:17)

The truth is that there are times when we are less than faithful
to God in the way we live our lives. Today's Gospel invites
us to examine our lives and repent of such times so that we
may receive God's mercy. For "mercy triumphs over judg-
ment" (James 2:13) when judgment brings repentance.

     Eternal Householder, I confess that I have not always
    been a good steward of all you have given me. Help me
     to serve you with singleness of mind and faithfulness.
                                        Amen.

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From The Road to Emmaus - An inclusive devotional Edited by Joseph W. Houle

Emmaus House of Prayer - Washington D.C.198