The Fruits of Our Joy
Jesus often uses the image of a wedding feast when he speaks of eternal life after death. At a wedding feast, one can feel the intoxicating joy and fullness of life. This is why the image of the vineyard is very suitable for people who are journeying to the most sacred of places: our Heavenly home. In our First Reading, the Prophet Isaiah points out that God's vineyard is a garden which He Himself has planted, He has cared for and protected. These images reinforce what Paul speaks of in his letter to the Christian community in Philippi.
Paul's Letter to the Philippians
Our Second Reading text speaks of peace. This chapter begins with the title “Joy and Peace.” Paul calls us twice to rejoice in the Lord. Always. Today’s text mentions peace twice. Here, we find that both peace and joy are directly related. Because: Peace creates a space for joy, and joy is one of the fruits of peace. This peace is also mentioned in the liturgy of the Mass.
Peace Be With Us
It is not the kind of peace that we are sometimes able to obtain, what we achieve in agreements, only to break it later. The peace we wish for each other in the Mass is not just the absence of war or discord. No, the "peace of the Lord" points to a peaceful life that comes from God. It is a life with a center and a purpose. We do not simply create this special peace ourselves; it is "the God of peace" who bestows the "peace of God."God’s peace is so strong that his power can overcome hatred and hostility even in the midst of war. It is essential, otherwise, we would misunderstand – misinterpret this message of peace.
Free from Worries
At the beginning of his Letter, Paul writes: “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” This is easier said than done. Do not let worry consume you, even when the sadness and anxiety are great. Is Paul trying to use these words to simply gloss over the sometimes brutal and inhumane of reality? No, I don't think so. His statements reflect the experience that we, who are not slaves, but children of God, can attain. It is one of the highest noble kingships which comes from God. These are the ones who can take on the responsibilities and worries of our world.
These children can be found among the homeless, civil war refugees, in ordinary professions, as fathers and mothers, as teenagers and the elderly and sometimes even those in influential positions of power. These children do not ignore the reality they are in but remain confident in what needs to be done. Praying with gratitude can be practiced and strengthened together as a community and in family prayers.
Fruit of Peace
Dear friends, divine peace bears fruit. In our Gospel Acclamation we heard how God says: "I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord, to go and bear fruit that will remain.” God's peace in the hearts of people moves and changes their personal and mutual thoughts and actions. We cannot love God with the life and death of Jesus Christ and at the same time forget our neighbors, using them for our own selfish purposes. In his letter, Paul describes the ethical behavior associated with this divine peace.
"Whatever is true, honorable, just and pure, lovely and gracious” can be found in it.
It may sound a bit arrogant when Paul says, "Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me!" With this, Paul points out that the Church, that church life is always "apostolic," and bound to the work and mission of the apostles and their successors. The church's actions come from the Spirit of God, from the example of the life of Jesus Christ. The church's actions must always be reformed, transformed, and renewed by the divine Spirit.
It is not primarily our human achievement that matters.
It is the fruit of God’s peace within us that works for the good of others and the world.
It is His divine right, for our salvation, that He expects fruit from his vineyard.
Let us give thanks to God for his peace in our hearts.
Praise be to Jesus Christ – forever. Amen.