The Cornerstone, Jesus Eucharistia

Today's Gospel presents us with the parable of the wicked vineyard owners. In this parable, in my opinion, there are two crucial themes for the Christian life: the patience of God, who always seeks the return of man, and the cornerstone, which is Jesus Christ himself.

Saint John Chrysostom sees in this parable the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As he tells us, the owner of the vineyard represents God, and God is the one who first seeks reconciliation. First he sends a servant, and then he sends another servant, and finally he sends his own son to seek reconciliation with him. The most shocking thing is that after men refused to listen to the one he had sent them, God did not explode with anger, did not reject them, nor did he order them to be killed, but he persisted in calling them. He sent us his Son to reconcile us to him. To this Saint John Chrysostom asks: Can God harbor feelings of hatred? It is not he who rejects us, it is we who refuse to be his friends.

What could we compare with such a great love! Greater love has no one than that which lays down one's life for his friends (Jn 15:13). God never tires of forgiving us. Again, God has given the Sacrament of Reconciliation so that we can approach him. 

But the parable does not end there. At first glance it seems that Jesus' question is the central part of the parable, but this is not the case. Jesus' answer is the central part of this Gospel. Jesus said: “Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes?” Jesus is the cornerstone that the builders rejected. Jesus Eucharistia is the cornerstone of our Christian life. Here we should ask ourselves: Is the Eucharist the cornerstone of my spiritual building?

Let us ask the Virgin Mary for help, because thanks to her, we have been granted the greatest and most valuable of promises so that we can participate in divine nature. May she help us receive Jesus Eucharistia with the same reverence, dignity, purity, humility and love as she received him.

--Alejandra Marenco

Send Us Forth are reflections written by St. Matthew parishioners and friends.