Oct 4- Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Called to Bear Good Fruit
This Sunday, the image of the vineyard runs throughout our readings. In the First Reading, Isaiah speaks of a vineyard that was carefully planted and cared for, yet produced only sour grapes. God had given His people everything they needed to flourish, but instead of justice and integrity, He found suffering and distress.
In the Gospel, Jesus continues this image through the Parable of the Wicked Tenants. The vineyard has been entrusted to others, but instead of caring for what they have been given, the tenants reject the landowner’s servants and eventually his son. Jesus concludes with a powerful reminder: the Kingdom of God is entrusted to people who will produce its fruit.
These readings invite us to consider what we are doing with everything God has entrusted to us; our time, our talents, our families, our parish, our community, and our faith. God does not simply call us to belong to His vineyard; He calls us to help it bear good fruit.
We can already see that fruit growing within our own parish community. This weekend, St. Andrew’s is holding its Fundraiser Bake Sale, with proceeds supporting our Building Fund. We are also grateful to everyone who supported the recent Knights of Columbus barbecue. Through the generosity of our parishioners, at least $1,000 will be donated toward our Church roof repair project. These moments remind us that when each person offers even something small, together we can accomplish something meaningful.
Our vineyard also includes the next generation of our parish. Sunday School continues during the 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Masses, providing a joyful and welcoming environment where our children can learn about God and grow in faith. Registration for First Holy Communion also continues, with Confirmation registration beginning later this month. Through our catechists, parents, volunteers and families, we are planting seeds of faith that we pray will continue bearing fruit for many years to come.
St. Paul also gives us beautiful guidance for the week ahead: rather than allowing ourselves to become overwhelmed by worry, we are called to bring our needs to God in prayer and fill our minds with what is true, good and worthy. When our lives remain rooted in Christ, the fruit we produce begins to look like Him kindness, generosity, patience, compassion, justice and love.
As we begin another week, perhaps we can each ask ourselves: What kind of fruit is my life producing?
May St. Andrew’s continue to be a vineyard where faith is planted, children are nurtured, neighbours are welcomed, those in need are cared for, and each person willingly shares the gifts God has given them. When each of us does our small part with love, God can take what we offer and allow something beautiful to grow.