What Do I Reap

What do I reap? Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx
1st Reading: Is 5:1-7, 2nd Reading: Phil 4: 6-9
Gospel: Mt 21:33-43

What do I reap? A vital question to ponder and to be answered several times during our life journey, which will give a focus for a life well-lived. Deviation from a purposeful life bears the repercussion of a bitter outcome that creates ripple effects in society. Therefore, we have to ask ourselves, what is the goal for my life? What legacy would I like to leave behind for the benefit of posterity? Each person has something to offer to make this world a better place. Am I doing my part?

If we take a serious glance at the world, we are baffled with reality. It seems evil has the upper hand, and the world is headed in the wrong direction. Hence, we should ask a question. Where have we missed the calling? The precious life not respected, the family unit is threatened, and trust betrayed, justice trampled, love, mocked upon, and mercy and forgiveness is devalued. With such a scenario of the world, what do we reap? On the other hand, what have we sown, to reap?

Despite a gloomy picture of the world, there is a ray of hope and a brighter future. Ultimately, God is in control of the whole universe, and in His time, purification will take place. Meantime, He has assigned the task to His chosen people to light up the world with faithfulness and righteousness, This group of people is a tiny minority, and their task is enormous. The Israelites were called to live in faithfulness to God and live a righteous life by observing His commandments, and benevolence towards the most vulnerable in the society. The Lord complains, "Why do I reap the bitter grapes from my vineyard?"

Today, the Catholic Church is the new Israel. The new people of God have been entrusted with the same task but greater responsibility. The fulfillment of God's promise to the world was unfolded in the death and resurrection of Jesus, His Son. The Church bears witness to this great mystery of our faith. This mystery encompasses the totality of our existence, in which, faithfulness and righteousness, should lead to the life of charity. The Catholic Church is a tiny minority, which continues to be a voice of conscience to the world that devalues the laws of God.

What do I reap? Indeed, those who live the life of God in the Church will certainly bear good fruits of faith, hope, and charity. However, those who live on their own account, and continue to support anti-Church policies, disrespect for life from conception to natural death devalue the marriage as a sacrament between a man and a woman, will also fail to live a life of charity. What kind of grapes will you reap?