Matthew
21:33-46. Who would be heirs of the kingdom of heaven? After giving a parable, Jesus
admonishes the chief priests and the Pharisees: “Therefore I tell you, the
kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the
fruits of it.” The Jews were God’s chosen people but many of them remained
stubborn and rebellious, and because of this, Jesus had to warn them of their
impending loss. This gospel reminds us that people’s moral way of life are more
important that their title and status. For Jesus, honor belongs to those who
love and care, who are righteous and just, and who love God and neighbor more
than the self. Even our status as Christians would mean very little if we don’t
bear fruits of love, justice, joy, and peace.
