It should be like that. Nonetheless, sometimes giving love turns into hatred and selfishness. Ungratefulness.
The gospel reading in Matthew 21:33-43 is known as the “Parable of the Tenants.” The tenants are the caretakers of a land. We will notice in the parable that these caretakers are shrewd because they wanted the owner’s vineyard, maltreated the servants, and even killed them. The landowner sent his son, but he was killed as well.
The Gospel’s events describe the history of God’s people. Bible scholars say the narrative is an allegory or a comparison. The vineyard is Israel, the tenants are the Old Testament prophets, the son is Jesus, and the killing is the crucifixion.
What happened was very sad. The owner offered love, but hatred reigned among them. The son was even murdered due to selfishness.
In many instances, that is what happens in the relationship between God and humanity. God’s love is relentless, yet humans fail to respond. God is always faithful, but humans are always unfaithful. Love is not always given back the way it is received.
Whenever we sin, let us think about how good God is. We were entrusted with things we ought to care for, and people we ought to nurture. What exactly do we give in return for His endless love? God is so good to us. What should we offer Him in return? Perhaps we will awaken from our forgetfulness and commit to turn away from evil. We will strive to repay God’s goodness and love with our own goodness and love. We were trusted. The least we can do is take good care of everything He has entrusted to us.
God never tires of offering love. His faithfulness never ends. Every moment, we respond to His faithfulness. In our unworthiness, God will always be faithful to us, to be worthy of His love. Every mission we are called to is bringing Jesus to others as bearers of His great love and mercy.
Today, as we also remember Saint Francis of Assisi, let us ask for his intercession that we may live with gentle hearts and grateful souls, protect the beauty God has entrusted to us, and love our neighbors generously.