Ezekiel 18:25-28 Philippines 2:1-11 Matthew 21:28-32
In the reading from Ezekiel God rejects the claim that God’s judgments are arbitrary or unfair but focuses on the human actions and choices that result in the judgments. Peter’s letter to the Philippians is a call to Christian unity, to live in harmony, to share the same spirit and purpose, to do for others.
Paul’s letter to Matthew carries this theme of doing good works and helping others by using the imagery of a vineyard. Two sons were directed to go to the vineyard. One eagerly agreed but did not go. The other son refused, changed his mind and went to the vineyard. Which son obeyed the father’s will? Throughout our lives how have we responded when directed to the vineyard? Where is our vineyard today? Is it changing unjust policies and practices or perhaps the companion who asks us for a few minutes of our time to do some small request for them?
