Fruit of the Kingdom – Reflection on Matthew 21:33-43
As active Christians, we should occasionally internally examine and confirm that we see the signs of the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our lives. For instance, despite the negativity surrounding us, love, joy, peace, patience, and many other stabilizing or growth virtues should be readily apparent. It is easy to forget that our faith and outward beliefs help produce additional fruit of the Kingdom of God by attracting others to be Christ-like. Firmly established with virtues, we can become part of Jesus’s cornerstone. Jesus freely gives and allows us to accept His guidance and grace while doing and being present for others.
The Son of the Vineyard by James Tissot (full resolution painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 21:33-43 – Scripture*
The Parable of the Wicked Tenants
33 “Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. 34 When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. 35 But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them in the same way. 37 Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.’ 39 So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 40 Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” 41 They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time.”
42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures:
‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
this was the Lord’s doing,
and it is amazing in our eyes’?
43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 21:33-43 Reflection – Matthew 21:33-43 Reflection – Fruit of the Kingdom
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Matthew 21 passage.
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