There has been a sequence of three parables for the last three Sundays telling about the vineyard from different points of views. Today too, there is another parable of the vineyard that focuses on the accountability of the tenants. The responsorial psalm led us into chanting that the vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel. The Lord God brought this vine from Egypt, planted it on a land that Himself prepared and entrusted it to stewards chosen by Him. To God’s total disappointment, the stewards took possession of it and rebelled against the owner.
 
Jesus gave this teaching to the leaders of Israel present, probably during the last week before his passion, death and resurrection. He wanted them to understand their current role and what history bore as witness to the behaviors of the leaders of Israel in its past. For the current leaders of the time of Jesus, they had taken ownership of the people for their own living. They were not accepting the Messiah who would disrupt their order, way of life and put an end to the Temple. They rejected John the Baptist and got Jesus crucified. As for their forefathers, they did treat the prophets harshly, ignored them and killed some of them. Knowing fully that his death was near, Jesus defiantly revealed to the leaders their evil, opportunity to repent and the fatal consequence of rejecting the Messiah. But they refused and proceeded to the execution of their plan.
 
The lesson about the tenants of the vineyard did not end with the people of old but remains relevant to us today. Firstly, the parable reminds us of the grace and gifts of God given to us. Secondly, we are answerable to God both individually and collectively in our stewardship of personal gifts and in the social responsibilities. We have a shared responsibility in our common ownership over entities and organizations. What kind of account shall each one of us render to God on the Day of Judgment? In the parable, the leaders of Israel answered to Jesus that the owner of the vineyard “will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to others” (Mt. 21:41). The leaders of Israel pronounced their own judgment. And it will be for us; each one will give an account of their own faith and works. Such a reality should prompt us to being true disciples of Jesus in sharing our faith and bringing more people to Christ in the Church. In the society, true disciples exercise their daily duties as servant-leaders.
 
On the Day of Judgment, true disciples will be more than happy to see the Lord Jesus and render fruitful accounts of faith and service.