June 4, 2018

Gospel: Mk 12:1-12
Using parables, Jesus went on to say, “A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a hole for the wine press and built a watch tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenants and went abroad. In due time, he sent a servant to receive from the tenants the fruit of the vineyard. But they seized the servant, struck him and sent him back empty-handed. Again, the man sent another servant. They also struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. He sent another, and they killed him. In the same way they treated many others: some they beat up and others they killed. One was still left, his beloved son. And so, last of all, he sent him to the tenants, for he said, ‘They will respect my son.’ But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the one who is to inherit the vineyard. Let’s kill him and the property will be ours.’ So they seized him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. Now, what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” And Jesus added, “Have you not read this text of the Scriptures: The stone which the builders rejected has become the keystone; this is the Lord’s doing, and we marvel at it?” They wanted to arrest him, for they realized that Jesus meant this parable for them, but they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.

Reflections
The stone which the builders rejected has become the keystone Jesus presents a parable that foreshadows his rejection by some of his people and their religious authorities. Jesus knew that exposing the hypocrisy of the chief priests and scribes of his time was life-threatening. Eventually, Judas betrays him, the Sanhedrin convicts him and the Roman authorities execute him. Not because his death is willed by the Father, but rather is the consequence of his fidelity to his mission of proclaiming God’s inclusive love Kingdom. Let us pray for the grace to witness to the inclusive love of God notwithstanding the consequences.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018