27^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer 

Lord, You must become frustrated.

Your Word is strong and true;

It never changes.

Somehow we still get anxious;

And worry about trivial things.

Help us to understand that…

YOU are always with us!

YOU watch over us!

YOU never leave us!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 5:1-7

• Compare the world to a vineyard. What do you imagine is growing; identify the weeds, the bugs and the different types of grapes.  What are the fertilizers or the pesticides?  What good is coming from the vineyard?
• What can you learn from the vineyard owner, how does he work the field to produce a bounty? What kind of work do you do to produce good fruit?

Philippians 4:6-9

• What does St. Paul say you need to do to guard you fears, worries and anxieties? How can this become a reality?
• What is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, excellent and worthy of praise? If you have it is there space for anything else?

Matthew 21:33-43

• How do you identify with the Gospel reading? Are there people or situations in your life which you visualize as you hear the Word spoken?
• What emotions or feelings come up from inside of you when you hear this reading? What do you feel motivated to do?
• The Gospel reading doesn’t sound too much different than what happens in the world today? How did God react to the wretched way people treat one another in the parable?  How does Jesus’ response play out in today’s society?

General Questions for Journaling

• What are some of the obstacles which keep you from being a better “keeper of the vineyard”? How can you be more aware and intentional with your words and actions?
• What do you devote your time to? Does the way you spend your time accurately express your devotion?
• Are there things in your life which cause you constant worry or anxiety? What is it about those things that you can’t let go of?
• Where do you find peace? How can you cultivate it?
• Is it possible to have peace all of the time? Is it a fantasy?
• What in your life do you embrace which keeps you from embracing the sacred?
• Who might you consider to be one of God’s messengers? Are there current day messengers?
• Is there an injustice which you feel called to speak out against? What do you do to bring light to the situation?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  O Master of the vineyard…

ALL:  Plant in us seeds of grace

Leader:  Plant in us seeds of hope

ALL:  Plant in us seeds of mercy

Leader:  Plant in us seeds of love

ALL:  Plant in us seeds of forgiveness

Leader:  Plant in us seeds of faith

ALL:  May we grow all of these in abundance!!!

Challenge for the Week:  Consider the definition of each of the qualities Saint Paul says should take the place of our worry and anxiety.  Are there people in your life whom you would describe as true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, excellent and worthy of praise?  Breakdown each quality and reflect on a person in your life (living or dead, that you know or know of) which has that quality.  What makes that a trait of that person?  How can you express these qualities?  They are already planted in you…are you tending to the vineyard?