In the Scripture the vineyard is always an image for the gathering of God’s People. As the Prophet Isaiah himself says, the vineyard is Israel. Later, upon Israel’s failure to recognize and accept Jesus as the awaited Messiah, the vineyard is the Church as the fulfillment of the gathering of God’s People, open to anyone who will produce the fruit of the kingdom. By faith and baptism we are called to be members of Jesus’ Body and we are called to belong...

"I urge you... to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship."

The Scripture lessons of this Holy Mass tell us of the expansion of God’s saving desire and mission to include not only His People Israel, but also those outside of the Chosen People.  If this expansion had not occurred then anyone who was not Jewish would be excluded.  That would likely mean you and me, and just about everyone in this parish....