Reflections
Psalm 80: 9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20 (Read)
"O Lord, take care of this vine."
The Psalm is a prayer to restore the Israelites to God’s vineyard.
The chosen people have lost God’s protection; God has removed
the hedge that He put up around them.
“God brought a vine out of Egypt and planted it.” But what kind
of fruit did God’s vineyard bear? The prophet Isaiah says in
our 1st reading that despite all of God’s efforts, nothing but wild
grapes was produced. (Isaiah 5:2) And so God broke down the
vineyard’s walls, letting, “The boar strip the vine, and the beast
feed upon it.”
There is a message here for all of us who do not bear fruit or
use our resources wisely. We could lose God’s protection,
and we may not be able to defend ourselves from the evil one
that prowls around like a roaring lion.
We, like the psalmist, need to beg for God’s mercy.
“Turn again, O Lord of hosts, attend to this vine.”
If we’re not careful, the kingdom will be taken away
from us, as it was in the Gospel, and given to a people
that will produce its fruit. (Matthew 21: 43)
We, like the Israelites, need to be restored. The Psalm's
verses pray, “Give us new life, and we will call on your name.”
Where does our hope for revival come from?
It comes from our Savior, sent by the Lord, our cornerstone,
“The son of man whom God himself made strong.”
In Him we are restored. As the Psalm says, “Lord of hosts
restore us; let your face shine upon us,
that we may be saved.”
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. The Psalm says, “Lord, take care of this vine; then we will no more withdraw
from you. Give us new life, and we will call upon your name.” Have you noticed at times when we stray off His path how the Lord tugs at each of us so that we return to His ways. Give an example from your own experience.
2. Our psalmist is writing about the scattered people of Israel, but his words may apply to each of us in our separation from God. In what way are you inspired by the Psalm's verses to repent and seek renewal?
God is the Ultimate Harvester, Vineyard Owner, Creator. He has lovingly cared for me and caused me to grow under His shade and protection. But have I produced sweet grapes for Him?
ReplyDeleteThis week's entire set of readings function as an uncomfortable warning for me, much like odiferous fertilizer might, to create fruitful soil. I am called to rethink my priorities in life and how I am stewarding the myriad gifts he has given me. We are each flourishing or dying... moving forward or falling back; there is no such thing as holding still in our faith walks, because as much as the Lord has plans for our lives, so does the enemy.
In the case of giving my monetary firstfruits back to God, when I do not comply, life has a way of asking me to spend the bucks anyway. (If my treasure had been earmarked for the Church, I would have the peace to know it was safely and productively used. When I hold onto my treasure, for those "just in case" scenarios, I do not end up saving it. Inevitably, the dollars end up supporting temporary causes or selfish spending that do not produce joy).
Similar things can be said of my stewardship of time and talent. Looking back, I have days of wasted hours and laziness that prevented me from prayer, journaling, serving, studying, or mentoring, for example.
Even in these days of wild grapes, the Lord is so kind. He cares for my vine, with gentle reminders that He is the source of every good thing and when I pay attention, I am showered with gratitude. This grows my vine again.
Another way the Lord "has regard for my vine" is teaching me through the lives of the saints, our heavenly friends. On this feast day of St. Therese of Lisieux, I can remember to be faithful in little ways. I can do small things with great love. I do not have to be the hero -- the rose or the lily in the garden -- to affect the beauty of God's plans. I simply assent to what He asks of me today... and if that is to be a humble wildflower, that is how I will bear the most abundant fruit.
How His loving and merciful hand takes care of my vine! May I turn toward Him, again and again, when I feel sour. And repent of my pride and lust for this world, to be made sweet again.