“A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it,
dug a wine press, and built a tower.”

Mark 12:1

Mark 12:1-12

Reflection

Jesus tells the chief priests a parable about a man who plants a vineyard and leases it. When he sends servants to collect the produce, the tenants beat and kill them. Finally, the man sends his own son, but he too is killed.

The Lord provides each of us with a vineyard of our own, a place where we can cultivate fruits of the Spirit and grow in our relationship with him. However, it can be easy to misuse or forget about our vineyard of faith. We might neglect the spiritual fruit to be had or abandon faith altogether at certain points in our lives.

Our spiritual vineyard can become fruitful and lasting when we place Christ at the center of it, focusing our attention on following his commandments and living virtuously. By practicing our faith daily and always turning to Jesus with our needs, we find peace and joy in life. How is Christ calling you to cultivate your vineyard today?

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Saint of the Day

St. Justin Martyr: ca. AD 100 – 165

“We have been taught that God did not make the world aimlessly, but for the sake of the human race; and we have before stated that He takes pleasure in those who imitate His properties, and is displeased with those that embrace what is worthless either in word or deed.” The Second Apology of St. Justin Martyr