The Vineyard Laborer

The Temptation of Jesus Mt 4: 1 – 11 First Sunday of Lent Introduction In today’s Gospel, we read about the temptations of Jesus in the desert. Jesus emerges victorious over these temptations, thus giving us an example on how to deal with our own struggles with temptations. The Gospel 4   Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2  He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. 3  The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4  But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone,      but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5  Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6  saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels conce...

On Retaliation and Love Mt 5: 38 – 48 Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Introduction In today’s Gospel, Jesus explains two laws that speak about retaliation and love. Jesus explains these two laws and ultimately points to love as the real goal of these laws. The Gospel 8  “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39  But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; 40  and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; 41  and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. 42  Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. 43  “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45  so that you may be children of y...

The Word of God Mt 5: 17 – 37 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Introduction In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus reaffirming the importance and permanence of God’s word. Jesus then gives a more radical interpretation of some precepts of the Law, ultimately telling us that the Law is meant to make us grow in love. The Gospel 17  “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18  For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19  Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20  For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kin...

Salt and Light of the Earth Mt 5: 13 – 16 Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Introduction Today’s reading tells us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Jesus speaks to us about our identity as his followers who transform the world through our lives. The Gospel 13  “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14  “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15  No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Reflection Today’s Gospel gives us a description of who we are from Jesus’ own perspective. To make us understand his perspecti...