First Reading
Isaiah 5:1-7

1. “What more was there to do for my vineyard that I had not done?” Could we have done anything to prevent discrimination? What could we have done to prevent global warming? What can we do now to rectify other wrongs? Might these crises be comparable to the “wild grapes” Isaiah sings about in his friend’s vineyard?

2. What are some things you could do if you discovered that all the “grapes” in your spiritual garden are all turning out small or sickly?

Second Reading
Philippians 4:6-9

1. How do you feel about the God of peace standing guard over your mind and heart? What does St. Paul say takes the place of anxiety and the worries? Are his words true for you?

 2. What would happen to anxieties in the world right now (e. g. global warming, racial injustice) if all people embraced whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, … anything worthy of praise?

Gospel
Matthew 21:33-43

1. Who are God’s messengers right now? What changes in society do they advocate? How can you somehow be God’s envoy in your community, work, church or the world? Will you move toward necessary changes in society?
                                                
2.  In his morning meditation on the Wicked Tenants, the Pope suggested that we think about “what we can do so as not to kill the Word of God, … to not lock up the Holy Spirit.”

[May] the Lord grant us the grace of humility to look upon Jesus as the Savior who speaks to us: he speaks to me! Each one of us ought to say: he speaks to me! When we read the gospels: he is speaking to me!

The Imprisoned Word
Morning Meditation in the Chapel of the
Domus Sanctae Marthae