Reapplying A Parable

Gospel: Matthew 21: 33-46

The Parable of the Tenant Owners has traditionally been used as a polemical piece of replacement theology, i.e. the Church replacing Israel as the locus of the kingdom of God.  Given the fact that the Church has fared no better in being good stewards of God's vineyard, we might do well to set aside this triumphalistic interpretation and consider the parable in a different light.

Let us consider the vineyard as the soul of an individual person.  God has created this garden within, cultivated it and made it good.  God then entrusted it to us so that it might bear fruit and retain its beauty.  From time to time God visits this vineyard, reminds us of its worth and mission.  But we have let it go to ruin.  We seek to cover over its neglect like our first parents in the garden.  We grow indignant at these reminder and rebel, but the vineyard is too far gone; we cannot repair it of ourselves.  What are we to do?

As this parable is patterned on the story of Joseph in the Old Testament, we find the solution.  Restoration of the garden is had through reconciliation and forgiveness.  We return to God with all our heart to find food for our souls.  The vineyard is restored by God's healing hand, our original beauty and dignity restored.  This is the message of Lent, the time for us to restore our vineyard and once again bear fruit for the kingdom.