Reflection on Matthew 21:33-43
The parable is both somber and clear: the vineyard symbolizes Israel, the world, and me—a source of wild grapes, as noted in Isaiah, and a harvest of blood in Matthew. I reflect God’s disappointment.
Its harshness foreshadows a violent conclusion, as evident in the vineyard workers’ chilling statement: “This is the heir; let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours!”
But it is also a glimpse into God’s heart: Jesus loved vineyards, just as the prophets did before him; this is clear from the very beginning: a man, with great care, planted, fenced, dug, and built.
“The steward has become a predator” (Laudato si’), highlighting the relentless passion of the God of the vineyards, who continually reaches out to us through prophets, servants, and His Son. “What more could I have done for you?” These words express the sorrow of a God who uniquely cares for us. This raises an important question: What will the Lord of the vineyard do in the end?
Would God escalate the violence with revenge, death, more blood? No, it won’t happen that way. That is not God but a figment projecting our desire for vengeance – which doesn’t heal at all.
God is life above all; he doesn’t want the evil person to die but to convert and live. God’s vineyard will be given to a people who will bear its fruit. And then the journey of hope—with all its trials and risks—will begin anew. Such is our God.