Retreat at St. Joseph’s Villa, Flourtown, PA

June 3, 2009

ALLEGORY ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø Today’s gospel 1 of Js’ parables that is an allegory

Ø An allegory is a story that represents other things

Ø As allegory it teaches & says something pertinent

Ø The vineyard is an OT image for Israel

Ø The Scripture sees Israel as God’s special people & pictures Israel poetically as a vineyard

Ø Owner of vineyard is God himself

Ø Workers in vineyard R political & religious leaders

Ø Servants sent by owner are the prophets

Ø And the son of owner is Jesus himself

Allegory about +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø With that background, parable teaches something about GOD, about G’s Son J & about ourselves

Ø Remember allegories allow the author to get a message very close & personal!

GOD ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø First, there’s generosity of God

Ø Owner supplies tenant workers w/ very good vineyard

Ø G generously entrusts us w/ great opps on earth

Ø Then, there is the patience of God

Ø Owner repeatedly sends messengers to get his share of grapes

Ø God is patient with us as we grow spiritually & gives us lifetime to respond fully to calling

JESUS +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø Second, the parable is clear about Jesus’ identity

Ø He is called the beloved son

Ø He’s also God’s last & final word spoken 2 us

Ø Jesus, in telling parable, reveals he knows his fate

Ø Knows he’ll B put 2 death yet G’s ways will triumph

OURSELVES +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø Finally, parable shows human temptation 2 get away w/ what we can

Ø Shows our tendency “out of sight, out of mind”

Ø We tend to forget G & our responsibilities 2 G if we fail 2 keep God in R spiritual sight thru prayer

CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø Allegories R difficult to hear becz pointed

Ø They R nevertheless rich with important teaching for our daily living

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