In the first reading we have the prophet asking God’s question, “What more was there to do for my vineyard that I had not done?” God has blessed us abundantly, and how do we respond? When God responds to our lack of care for what he has done we complain and say God is not fair! With all God has done for humanity, what more could he do? He even sent his son to rescue us, and we play word games and give God lip service without rending our hearts.
If we are paying attention to God, Paul tells us to, “Have no anxiety at all.” If we do as God has asked us, “Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Yet it comes with the stipulation of doing God’s will.
The Gospel picks up on this message when Jesus tells of the people who are supposed to be in the know yet do not do as God has asked. They think they can do whatever they want and still receive God’s blessings just because they are children of Abraham. How many Christians think that just because they call themselves Christian, they are guaranteed a place in heaven? There is more to responding to God’s call than calling ourselves Christian. We need to act and behave as Christians too. Anything else is a lie. As such Jesus says, “The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.”
Countenance of God 