27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMES 4TH OCTOBER 2026

The image of the vineyard beautifully expresses God’s loving care for his people. A vineyard requires patience, sacrifice and constant attention: the soil must be prepared, stones removed, vines supported and protected, and the fruit carefully nurtured. In the rocky land of Israel, this work was especially demanding. Yet, despite the vineyard owner’s dedication, the expected good fruit can fail to appear. Isaiah uses this image to describe Israel’s relationship with God, who has given his people everything they need to flourish, yet finds injustice and unfaithfulness instead of the good fruit he desires.

Jesus uses the same familiar image in his parable of the tenants. His listeners would immediately recognise the vineyard as a symbol of Israel and understand the challenge he was making to those entrusted with its care. The parable invites us not simply to criticise others, but to examine ourselves. Do our lives produce the fruits God desires, justice, compassion, love, forgiveness and faithfulness?

Paul’s words to the Philippians offer another important dimension. He encourages them to rejoice, pray, and give thanks because the Lord is near. Genuine gratitude brings peace and changes the way we see ourselves, others and our circumstances. Thanksgiving, expressed supremely in the Eucharist, becomes a way of living in God’s presence.

These readings remind me that God continually cares for me and invites me to bear good fruit. I must therefore remain humble and open to correction. I may sometimes judge people too quickly or resist ideas simply because they are unfamiliar. God’s ways are greater than mine. I am called to remain attentive, trusting that even unexpected people or situations may reveal God’s presence and teach me something new.

Fr Jerome Otitoyomi Dukiya