Breaking the Word

9^th Week in Ord. Time, Monday – 5^th June 2023 — Gospel: Mk 12,1-12

Respond Faithfully

In the parable of the wicked tenants, the fault of the tenants is not simply a failure to produce grapes, but a treacherous series of responses to the landowner’s representatives. At least five attempts are made to contact the tenants and receive what was due for the landowner. One of the attempts speaks of “many” emissaries (12,5). The series culminates in sending his “beloved son”. This obviously refers to Jesus. This same phrase unmistakably evokes the heavenly voice at baptism (Mk 1,11; Mt 3,17) and transfiguration (Mk 9,7; Mt 17,5). This same truth is seen in Jn 3,16 and Heb 1,1-2. God attempted to communicate by sending several representatives, even His own son. This represents the longsuffering of God and his desire to establish a covenant relationship. But there is a clear increase in the ill treatment done to them (beating, beating on the head, killing). The landowner’s hope is ardent and idealistic, but ultimately futile. The tenants at this point are not just evil but irrational. Jesus did not tell the parable to suggest that God was going to take the kingdom away from “Jews” and give it to “Christians.” The critical issue in the parable is not the identity of the “others” but the failure of the tenants to respond faithfully, in accordance with their tenant obligation or in accordance with the covenant. How do they hope to inherit the vineyard after acting so disloyally? The outcome is inevitable: judgment, retribution, and replacement.

8^th Week in Ord. Time, Saturday – 3^rd June 2023 – Sirach 51,12-20; Mark 11,27-33

In Quest for Wisdom

The first reading brings to focus the theme of wisdom and presents a canticle in praise of wisdom. It is arranged with Hebrew alphabets describing one’s quest for wisdom. Today’s reading suggests that wisdom comes through prayer, persistent study of God’s word, and attention to instruction. To assist in the process of gaining wisdom, one must avoid sin, seek enlightenment, and possess ardent desire. Wisdom can be attained by being in relationship with the God of wisdom. God is the source of all wisdom and it is perhaps the greatest gift that God can give to anyone. Wisdom gives vision, the ability to see and understand the meaning and direction of life.  Through wisdom, we understand how all things relate to each other, to God and to ourselves. It is based, not on knowledge, but on deep insight into what we know. Wisdom consists in being able to see with great clarity. Therefore, the search for wisdom is one we should pursue all our life.