Once more Jesus uses the image of a vineyard in his parable. It echoes the passage from Isaiah. God had nourished his chosen people as a vine-grower nourishes his vineyard. In Isaiah’s account sour grapes were produced; in Jesus’ parable the owner’s messengers (the prophets) were attacked and the son (Jesus) put to death. It is easy to sit comfortably and think that it is the Jews that are being talked about. However, Western Europe is rapidly leaving behind the richness of its Christian heritage, there are few vocations to the priesthood and attendance at mass has dropped sharply.
Those who were around at the time of Vatican II will remember the excitement and renewed energy that the council brought. However, the decrees of the council were never properly implemented, as there was a backlash from the more conservative elements in the church. Added to this were the grievous scandals, where senior clergy sheltered abusers of children, which have caused untold damage in many countries including Ireland. The wickedness of the few has unfairly tainted the whole body. However, God never gives up on his people and the unique synod called by Pope Francis opens a window of hope that good fruit will again be produced by Christ’s vineyard, the Church.
“Give us a new heart and new spirit.”
—From the prayer for the synod