Bearing Fruit for the Kingdom
March 5th, 2010 Posted in :60 ReflectionsIn today’s first reading from Genesis 37, we see part of the story of Joseph. Joseph was the favorite son of Israel, and his brothers didn’t take too kindly to that. So they came up with a solution. Rather than kill him (which was what the majority vote was), they sold him into slavery. Nice brothers, huh? But at least they spared his life. In the end, that would pay off for them big time.
In the Gospel reading from Matthew 21, Jesus tells a parable about a landowner who leases out a vineyard to some wicked tenants. The landowner sends one servant after another, all of whom were beaten or killed. So he sends his son, whom they kill. Of course, this parable is about God sending the prophets, and eventually His own Son, Jesus. Jesus tells the chief priests and Pharisees, “Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.”
We live in an entitlement mentality world today. And I’m sure there are many who feel this way about the Kingdom of God. That they deserve heaven just because. Or that simply their baptism, or the fact that they are Catholic, or Protestant or (fill in the blank) is good enough. Uh…not so much. The same rules apply to us today. The Kingdom of God will be given to those who produce its fruit. So…are you producing fruit for the Kingdom?
Father, forgive us for those times when we feel as though we are “entitled” to your Kingdom. Teach us to produce fruit for the Kingdom always. Amen.
One Response to “Bearing Fruit for the Kingdom”
By bob terry, ar. on Mar 5, 2010
Gus,
Thank you for a good reflection. I’m doing my best and I hope there is a job for mw upstairs. I’m producing but I need to help turn it into more fruit. I’ve been good on complaints and excuses latley !!.
Thanks again,
Bob Terry, Sr.
Beantown, USA