Jesus told the parable of the vineyard shortly after his triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem. [Matt 21:33-46]. The workers in the vineyard rebelled against the owner and put his son to death. They forgot their “right relationship” with the master and their role in the vineyard. A human tendency is “to forget” who we really are in relation to our loving Father. Fallen human nature selfishly pulls us away from healthy relationships with each other and God. Tragically this results in hatred, division, bigotry, racism and inequity. Let us remember that we are “co-workers” in the vineyard of the Lord. Let us together collaborate and cooperate to plant the seeds of faith, to cultivate that faith so that our families and children bring forth the good fruits of harmony, integrity, compassion, and charity.

Prayer:
Merciful Father, may our acts of penance bring us your forgiveness, open our hearts to your love, and prepare us for the coming feast of the resurrection. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you and Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
[Liturgy of the Hours: Friday of the First Week of Lent]

Action:
Look upon a crucifix and reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus for you. Consider the pain he endured - the scourging, the crown of thorns, the nails, his thirst. Reflect how in your Baptism, you share in the dying and rising of Christ - dying to an old self and rising to newness of life. [Romans 6:3-6].  Visit this link and pray for peace. Today reach out to someone to be reconciled and restore peace in your relationship.