FAITH
WITH VIRTUE
The parable in Mark's Gospel (12:1-12)
speaks to us today just as it did for those to whom Jesus addressed it so long
ago. It richly coveys some important truths about the way our heavenly Father
deals with us as His children. First, it tells us of God's generosity and
trust. The vineyard is well equipped with everything the tenants need. The
owner went away and left the vineyard in the hands of the tenants. God,
likewise, trusts us enough to give us the freedom to manage our lives as we
choose. Secondly, this parable tells us of God's patience and justice. Not once, but many times, He forgives the tenants of their debts. Although the tenants take advantage of the owner's patience, his justice prevails in the end. Similarly, God's justice is triumphant as well.
In the Responsorial Psalm we acclaim,
"In You, my God, I place my trust" (Ps. 91:2b). By our promise of
trust in God and by seeking the grace and peace that flow from knowing Jesus,
we hope that we "may come to share in the divine nature" (2 Pt. 1:4).
This puts us on the solid foundation of faith, bringing you and I great joy!
As we read in the Second Letter of St.
Peter today, this hope is the daily prayer of the Church. During each Mass that
is celebrated, as the gifts are prepared, the deacon or priest pours a little
water into the wine, saying quietly, "By the mystery of this water and
wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ Who humbled Himself to
share in our humanity." Here are "the precious and very great promises"
(2 Pt. 1:4) that should surely cause one to, as St. Peter urges, "make
every effort to supplement your faith with virtue" (2 Pt. 1:5).
"Make every effort to supplement
your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge, knowledge with self-control,
self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion, devotion with mutual
affection, mutual affection with love" (2 Pt. 1: 5-7).
Deacon John Ruscheinsky