(Mt 21:33–43, 45–46)

    This is a continuous metaphor rather than a parable; it is therefore the fruit of post-Easter reflection – let us see why.

Christ leads us all on an adventurous, unsettling journey, not without pitfalls that turn the situation on its head and destabilise us – yet it is the Way by which each of us may come to know ourselves.

Otherwise, we would not be able to reconnect with the Source of perception, imagination, reality and creativity – virtues that are essential for rebirth, even in the face of the global crisis.

Jesus uses the image of the Vineyard to describe God’s work and humanity’s response – first and foremost that of the spiritual leaders (v. 23).

The religious leaders of old were just like that: hostile to divine action; skilled at putting on a show, yet violent and ossified.

The leaders to whom Jesus addresses himself follow the entire metaphor step by step – they seem to be caught off guard – and are left speechless only at the very end.

Why does he address them in such an imperious manner: ‘Listen’ [which is not a mere invitation]?

From the very beginning, he speaks in the tone of a master. Why?

He is the Lord of those to whom he is actually addressing himself: the Christ so fervently invoked by the new caste of ‘Pharisees’ returning to their assemblies, where already the top students were claiming the right to manage the Vineyard in their own way.

In no uncertain terms, the parable denounces the abuse of authority perpetrated within third-generation communities, particularly by their leaders.

Church elders who were already annoyed at having to deal with the ordinary folk who turned up at the threshold of the communities in the hope of being welcomed.

Conversely, it was precisely these ‘least’ who were the new prophets called by God to shake up the stagnant situation (of the veterans) – comparable to the very same stagnant reality found in other religions of that time.

In this way, let us proceed to a possible interpretation:

The hedge or low wall surrounding the Vineyard is the plan that God has revealed to protect us from other ways of life [paradigms not of Faith], which are senseless and self-destructive.

The winepress signifies that nothing was lacking [the Lord took the utmost care], nor was the anticipation of the time of joy, of the juice of love.

In short: excellent conditions and an abundant result; maximum production of ecstasy – one would expect. However…

The vineyard workers represent the established authorities. They have been entrusted with the task of placing us in the best position and under the right conditions for our growth and flourishing.

Indeed, under ideal conditions, everyone can produce the fruit of love that the ‘master of the vineyard’ expects.

The two groups of envoys were prophets sent by the Father before and after the Babylonian exile – in vain – to call for concrete adherence to, and fidelity to, the Covenant.

All met with a tragic end, because the point of reference for both the devout people and the irresponsible leaders remained the same: self-enrichment.

Here are the various groups in power at the time of Jesus:

Those in charge of Temple affairs [priests] managed the tithes, specific taxes and offerings.

The high priest was chosen from among the members of the aristocratic families who flaunted the greatest power and wealth.

The Sadducees were, in fact, the aristocratic elite; laymen themselves, and extremely wealthy. They readily involved themselves in trade, including that of the Temple, and in large-scale landownership.

The Pharisees were the leaders of popular piety, advocating strict adherence to the Law, particularly the purity laws. They also upheld the various traditions, including oral ones.

Their ethical authority was based on setting an example and a sense of sacred [and moralistic] separation. This exemplary conduct was felt and recognised in every village in Palestine.

The ‘Elders’ were leaders of the people (local authorities in villages or towns); descendants of the leaders of the ancient tribes.

Scribes [doctors of the Law] were those who, after a lifetime of studying the Word of God, were elevated to the rank of official theologians of the Sanhedrin.

Although divided into two factions – one favouring the Sadducees, the other the Pharisees – their prestige even managed to overshadow the letter of the Torah. Indeed, in the event of a conflict between the Law and their interpretation, it was the latter that was deemed superior.

Jesus, on the other hand, discredited the scholars, who readily distorted and twisted the meaning of the Holy Scriptures – always to their own advantage.

He knew full well that his act of denunciation would cost him his life, because he was exposing the entire system of profit, power balances and positions.

Yet he never backed down a single millimetre.

Everywhere, and even today, certain powerful figures discriminate against and manipulate people’s consciences to safeguard their commissions and their farcical world of public and private relations.

Despite all the hypocritical and conventional fire of condemnation, which often seeks to eliminate the ‘Present Jesus’ who reveals himself in the small, innocent and transparent.

Conversely, the supreme stewards of the House of God must adopt an attitude of service to the Vineyard; they must not draw up their own life plans, to which everyone – including the Father – must conform.

It is for this reason that the Son sought to dismantle that structure: indeed, to supplant the Temple with his own living Person.

A genuine mortal threat to a system that could no longer even tolerate the interference of God Himself.

But whilst it was considered irreverent to substitute the life of the people for the stone sanctuary, it also seemed sacrilegious to regard the Torah system as transitory.

The Pentateuch was the cornerstone of the ‘chosen people’s’ identity. This idea was interpreted with a rigid sense of permanence – even though its observance brought not happiness but dissatisfaction.

Yet the old guard, accustomed to hierarchical structures – and to being in charge – did not even realise that in doing so they were sealing their own doom (v. 41).

Of course, Christ does not intend to ridicule anyone: He wishes to lead people to question themselves and speak the truth about themselves.

In the Gospel, the behaviour of those holding official positions of piety does not change; on the contrary, feeling exposed, it worsens.

Only the fear of losing face in public can hold them back (vv. 45–46).

But now they know who they are, so much so that they are ashamed to plot openly.

The ‘inner circle’, who consider themselves closer to Heaven and therefore holders of power (which they claim for themselves), are invariably those who produce inedible grapes.

Circles excluded from the witness of the Kingdom.

The ageing forces know only how to oppose. The lifelong leaders – pretentious fools – always love command, and (all too much) their own interests, not those of the humble masses.

Unfortunately, this Gospel passage is a snapshot of the entire history of salvation, where disdain all too often prevails – and it is still relevant today.

There will inevitably be a new beginning, and the replacement of the inept tenants (v. 43).

It is ‘good news’: the Lord achieves his purpose despite the repeated refusals of those who ought to represent him, and who instead use him. Having no fruit of love to offer in return.

In short, it is our own story. The enigma of redemption, capable of embracing even violence and rebellion within itself.

For Jesus, there is no privileged ethnicity or civilisation – because God’s great enemy is not sin in the sense of imperfection, but self-interest.

Self-interest that goes hand in hand with indifference and (self-serving) contempt: a recurring problem – bringing history to a close.

And yet, when the days of fervour fade and the situation grinds to a halt because of those who see election as a privilege rather than a service, new and more faithful Heralds of the Spirit ceaselessly emerge. Ready to carry on the legacy of minds and hearts, even amidst ungenerous brutality and accusations of being deluded dreamers.

An unstoppable course, watered by the stream of the prophets’ blood (v.46).

Outcasts, struck off, expelled and destined to be crushed – yet not confined within outdated mental frameworks: capable of giving free rein to regenerating energies.

The world’s conscience, detached from compromise.