CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS
It is commonplace in religious instruction that the first half of the liturgical year focuses on what God has done for us. During Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, we emphasized Jesus’ Birth, Suffering, Death, and Resurrection, and the Descent of the Holy Spirit. The second half then focuses us our response to these wonderful demonstrations of God’s love for us. This scheme is an oversimplification, of course, but it has a kernel of truth.
In particular, the last few weeks of the liturgical year remind us that we are accountable to God for all the gifts he has given us and all he has done for us. And when the accounting is done, it becomes evident, sadly, that God’s people have not produced as rich a harvest as they ought to have done.
Such is the case with the ancient Israelites, whom Isaiah compared with a vineyard which produced only sour, wild grapes. Jesus used the vineyard image, but introduced tenants who refused to turn over his share of the harvest to the landowner. They will be replaced by people who will obey the terms of the agreement, and others will be welcomed into the kingdom of God. How do we measure up with the harvest of spiritual gifts we should develop and turn over to God?
Lest we lose heart, St. Paul reminds us that we are to “have no anxiety at all.” Indeed, even our requests should be offered to God “with thanksgiving.” We have a fuller revelation of God’s will for us, and a never-ending stream of grace from the sacraments. If we keep our minds on what is true, pure, and excellent, “then the God of peace will be with you.
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Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Sunbury 
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