St. Charles Online Quiz

Peter started the whole thing when he asked Jesus how many times he would have to forgive his brother for sinning against him. Peter was hoping to get a clear response—a nice, easy rule. A number. Peter was hoping to hear a limit.

Peter almost gasped. This meant there was practically no limit. Peter shrugged and threw his hands up in a gesture of hopelessness. He could never forgive that many times!

Jesus began to tell them a story about a king who discovered his servant had stolen a huge sum of money. When the servant asked for mercy the king forgave the servant and the debt.

The disciples were surprised at the king’s generosity. Jesus continued with what was going to be one of the sternest lessons Peter and the disciples would ever receive. When that forgiven servant in the story failed to forgive someone who owed him money the king learned of it. Angered that the servant had not shown the same mercy he had been given, the king handed him over to the torturers and made him repay his huge debt.

The Disciples had no trouble reading the moral of the story. God forgives those who forgive others.

Matthew pressed his fingers against his forehead to ease the headache that Jesus was giving him. His years as a public tax collector had taught him to collect debts, not forgive them.

“This king in the story,” Matthew argued, “is unlike any kings of this world. The servant was guilty of stealing. He should have been punished. I can’t believe that any king would feel sorry for him and forgive the debt.”

Jesus smiled back at Matthew and looked peacefully at his other wondering disciples. Thomas, seeing a deeper meaning to the story, reminded Matthew of a point: “Jesus said that the kingdom of God was like that. Perhaps the king is like God himself.” Thomas glanced at Jesus for approval.

John added his insight: “We are like the servant of the king. If we don’t forgive debts that are owed to us, we can’t expect God to forgive us our debts.”

Peter saw the darker side of the parable, recalling: “Yes, but don’t forget, when the servant failed to forgive his debtors the king no longer forgave the servant. He went to prison to be punished until he paid his huge debt back.”

Silence settled over the group. Bartholomew pulled some bread from his sack and tore off a small piece. He started to eat it, then briefly offered some to Philip who was sitting next to him. Philip waved the bread away. Bartholomew stuffed it into his mouth and thoughtfully began to chew. Jesus seemed pleased that the message was being learned.

When no one spoke for a long time, Jesus issued a final warning. His face hardened as he spoke.

“My heavenly Father will treat you in exactly the same way unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.”

The Gospel parable invites us to search for the people in our lives who we have not forgiven. Most of us have been deeply hurt in the past. Some of us have been able to forgive. Others may still be carrying bitterness. We cannot track the clean floors of heaven with the muddy boots of our resentments. We must first clean away all anger by forgiving everyone who has offended us. It is a stern lesson indeed. It’s a lesson we need to remember each time we pray the Lord’s Prayer: “…forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

The disciples were down by the lake with Jesus and the afternoon’s discussion was full of revelation. Jesus had just told them that they would one day sit on thrones to rule the twelve tribes of Israel. He promised eternal life but warned that many that are now first, will be last; and many that are now last will be first.

Thaddeus asked Jesus: “How can those who are now last, be the first? What about those of us who have followed you from the very beginning? Surely we, who were the first, will always be so honored.”

Thomas started to join Thaddeus in his argument, but a dark realization stopped him. It suddenly occurred to him that his own faith could be lost, his own promises might be broken. Things are not always the same. People change for better or for worse.

Jesus tossed a pebble out onto the water and watched the wave rings widen. The rings spread from the center where the pebble had broken the water’s surface. The rings were like his idea which was widening and growing. Jesus turned back to his group and sat down on the ground, preparing to tell them a story. He leaned back against a tree.

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like this,” Jesus began. “Once there was a man who went out early in the morning to hire some men to work in his vineyard…”

When Jesus ended the story he emphasized that the employer’s generosity was like that of God. He went on to clarify: “…those who are last will be first and those who are first will be last.”

The disciples were fascinated by the strange twist of Jesus’ clever tale—all except Thaddeus who was still struggling with the concept. Eventually the rings of understanding would encircle him and he too would know the wisdom that God’s ways are not the ways of men. All of the disciples would realize that everyone is called to unselfishly rejoice in God’s wonderful generosity to his creation.

The parable of the vineyard workers teaches the lesson that all we really have is God’s generosity. If we really got what we deserve we might not be such sticklers for justice. It might be a much different story. There is really nothing we can do to “deserve” eternal life or any other gift from God. All we can do is stand in wonder as God patiently forgives us for our weakness, loves us anyway, and still surrounds us with the gifts from his immense generosity.

The late afternoon shadow of the Synagogue building had already crept across the gardens, reaching the low rock wall that formed the courtyard. On the other side of the wall was the road which led south toward Jerusalem. A man leading three camels floated past. He was probably going to load them for a caravan to Damascus. Other merchants and tradesmen were also hurrying along the road. In the Synagogue courtyard, Jesus and some of the disciples were engaged in a debate with the elders and the chief priests.

One aging priest pointed his withered finger at Jesus: “I have heard the stories about you.”

“You have spoken to the wind. Why have you done your deeds for the gentiles? Why have you taken meals with prostitutes and tax collectors? Are you not a Jew like us?” The priest’s flurry of questions left him gasping for air.

Peter was getting irritated. These elders and priests were just trying to make Jesus look bad. Peter rose, his deep voice growling the words: “Jesus fed five thousand Jews a few weeks ago!”

The priest’s charge reminded Jesus of the Samaritan woman at the well and the Syro-Phoenecian woman who had followed him all the way to Tyre. Jesus wanted to respond directly that the gentiles seemed to believe in him, but most of the Jews were skeptical. He decided it would be better to teach with a parable.

“What do you think of this case?” Jesus began. “There was a man who had two sons…”

Jesus related the story of how the first son promised to go to work, but didn’t. The second son rebelled against the father’s authority and refused to go. But later the second son regretted what he had said and decided to go to the vineyard to work.

Then Jesus said: “Let me make it clear that tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.”

Peter smirked at Jesus bold conclusion, glancing at the priests and elders who were glaring angrily back at the youthful Jesus before them. Jesus stabbed the air with his finger and charged on: “When John came preaching a way of holiness, you put no faith in him; but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did believe in him. Yet even when you saw that, you did not repent and believe in him!”

The parable provides a little mirror through which we can see our true selves. On Sunday we may be like the first son who says, “Yes Lord, I am going to follow you and serve you.” But then comes Monday and we may fail to do it. At other times we may be the rebellious second son, refusing to do what we know God is calling us to do.

When we do decide to obey the commandments which the Father has given us…when we do decide to follow Jesus…when with the help of the Holy Spirit we faithfully live up to those commitments, then will our actions have met the parable’s test of obedience.

The leafy trees at the edge of the vineyard provided cool shade for Jesus and the disciples. By the generosity of the owner of the vineyard, this would be the site of their encampment for the night.

The vineyard owner was a proud little man, happily chattering about the fine wine that came from his robust grapes. He marched up between the rows of vines and then turned to face his guests. The vines were fat with dark-red grapes that had ripened in the warm Galilean sun. The owner parted some leaves with his hand and quickly found a clump of big grapes, offering them to Jesus.

That evening, after the harvesters had deserted the hillside, in a pale dawning, the full moon began to rise. Jesus and his men sat alone by the vineyard, beneath the dark trees. Silence settled over them like a warm blanket. Peter was already sound asleep, one hand resting atop a belly full of wine, which the kind vintner had provided.

John and Andrew sat down next to Jesus, who seemed deep in thought as he stared at the moonlit vineyard. Jesus smiled at the two: “I was thinking about another parable,” he told them. “Tomorrow I will tell it to the chief priests and the elders.”

Jesus chuckled at Andrew’s eagerness, giving him the outline. “It’s about the man who planted a fine vineyard, leaving it in the care of tenant farmers. At the harvest the landowner sent three of his slaves to collect his share. The farmers killed one and beat and stoned the other two. He sent more slaves who where also dispelled. Then the owner sent his son who they killed. The farmers now had to face the wrath of the owner himself.”

Jesus explained that Jewish law would allow the farmers to inherit the land if there was no heir to it. He then quoted the scripture about the stone, which the builders had at first rejected which later became the cornerstone of the building. Jesus’ mind stayed on that thought. He was that cornerstone, rejected by the elders and chief priests of his day, but was already becoming the foundation of new faith.

Peter began to snore. Andrew grinned, “Sounds like he has the right idea.” John yawned and began to spread his robes beneath him. Jesus gathered his robes around himself and leaned back. It was getting late. Suddenly, Jesus propped himself up on one elbow and added the last bit to his story: “For this reason, I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will yield a rich harvest.”

This parable warns us that the kingdom of God can be taken away from us if we do not produce a rich harvest in our lives. God has indeed prepared a beautiful vineyard for us. We are temporary farmers, living our lives on God’s green earth. In the past five Sundays we have heard parables which taught us to take up our cross and follow him; to humbly correct the faults of others; to forgive others; to be content; and to obey. If we reject these teachings, then we are rejecting the cornerstone, Jesus himself. And without Jesus we can have no harvest.

In the Synagogue courtyard, Jesus and some of the disciples were engaged in a debate with the elders and the chief priests.

One aging priest pointed his withered finger at Jesus: “I have heard the stories about you.”

Jesus responded, “And I have asked that they not be told.”“You have spoken to the wind. Why have you done your deeds for the gentiles? Why have you taken meals with prostitutes and tax collectors? Are you not a Jew like us?” The priest’s flurry of questions left him gasping for air.

Peter was getting irritated. These elders and priests were just trying to make Jesus look bad. Peter rose, his deep voice growling the words: “Jesus fed five thousand Jews a few weeks ago!”

“What do you think of this case?” Jesus began. “There was a man who had two sons…”

Then Jesus said: “Let me make it clear that tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.”

The wedding banquet was a pleasant surprise for Jesus and the disciples. A royal messenger had come out to them as they were walking on the Jerusalem road. “Stop,” he had called. “Follow me, you are all invited to the royal wedding feast at the villa on the hilltop.” His arm directed their vision to the white-walled buildings surrounded by narrow spears of cypress trees.

Assured that there was much to eat and drink, the disciples followed the messenger to the gates of the villa. As they drew closer they heard the music and singing. The large courtyard had been decorated with banners honoring the young prince and his bride. Tables were piled high with roasted meat and fancy dishes of vegetables, breads and dates and fruits. They began to enjoy, especially Peter who was waving his quickly emptied wine cup with his left hand while hungrily stuffing pieces of lamb in his mouth with the other hand.

Jesus noted that the food preparations for the wedding banquet greatly exceeded the number of people who were there.

“Where are all the other guests?” Jesus asked the servant who was pouring him a cup of wine. The server, speaking softly, told Jesus that the invited guests had refused to come. Some of the royal messengers sent to invite them had been driven off. A few messengers, those who failed to return, might have been killed.

By evening the royal messengers had rounded up hundreds of people who now filled the villa. The music, the food, the wine, the loud talk and laughter lasted far into the night. When Peter surfaced some hours later, his face was much redder. His wine cup was empty again. With slightly drooping eyelids, Peter gazed lovingly at Jesus. Showing him his empty cup, Peter announced: “I think they have run out of wine.”

Jesus smiled back tolerantly, remembering another wedding years ago in Cana when his mother had spoken those same words to him.

That night, just before dropping off to sleep, Jesus meditated on the day’s events. He suddenly realized how much this wedding banquet was like God’s invitation to his people. He saw clearly how the people reject God’s invitation. It was clear that those who reject God will learn too late what a tragic mistake they have made.

This parable can teach us that the kingdom which God offers us is very much like a sumptuous wedding feast. How could we ever be too busy to attend? How could we ever send God’s messengers away, refusing to even hear his word; refusing to partake in his Eucharist? Perhaps we should examine our response to God. We are invited in so many ways. Each day invites us to deepen our faith and understanding of it. Sunday mass invites us to attend the banquet of God.

“There he is, over there, under the tree,” one of the four stern-faced Pharisees said as they emerged from the synagogue. The bright afternoon sun made them squint to see Jesus and two of his disciples resting in the shade. These Pharisees were the local wise men, devout members of the strictest sect of Jews. They lived every letter of the Mosaic Law and hoped for the day when Israel would be God’s nation again, free of the Romans and Herod.

Jesus glanced up at the four men squinting at him. They turned away quickly when they saw him looking back. The Pharisees sauntered across the temple courtyard toward another group, which was also eyeing Jesus.

“I think this is a good time for our little question,” the black-bearded Pharisee smirked.

“Even we followers of Herod would agree with that,” one from the other group said.

It was an unusual alliance. Herod’s men said Jesus was a threat to their money and power if he really was a king or the Messiah. The Pharisees said God was the true ruler of Israel and paying tax to Rome denied God.

When they drew close, one of the Pharisees told the group around him, “It is a most cleverly contrived question.”

The black-bearded one said: “If Jesus says not to pay the tax to the Emperor he could be arrested by Roman authorities. If he says to pay the tax, he will mark himself as a traitor to God.”

“It’s still early,” one suggested. Let’s wait until more people are here to watch him put his foot in his own mouth.” The Pharisees and the Herodians drifted like a school of hungry fish. More people arrived.

“Either way, by sundown Jesus will no longer be a problem here,” a Herodian snarled, glancing quickly at his victim.

“Sabbath greetings,” Thaddeus said as he joined Jesus, Andrew and John. “I saw the others coming just behind me.”

The sun was slowly landing behind the western hills when the black-bearded Pharisee stepped up onto the stone ledge surrounding the courtyard. He shouted for all to hear. “I have a question for the Teacher.” Turning to Jesus, the Pharisee paused for dramatic effect, waiting until everyone grew quiet. “Teacher, we know you are a truthful man and teach God’s way sincerely. You court no one’s favor and do not act out of human respect. Give us your opinion, then, in this case. Is it lawful to pay tax to the emperor or not?”

Jesus rose to his feet like a gathering storm cloud and threw his arms skyward. Sparks of light seemed to bristle in his eyes at the outrage of their trickery.

The little band of Pharisees and Herodians seemed to shrink together, fearful of Jesus’ stormy response.

Blackbeard fumbled in his robe and produced a silver denarius. Jesus took the coin and held it between his thumb and forefinger, turning to show the face of it to all the crowd.

Knowing the power of what he was about to say, Jesus smiled in spite of himself.

If we can’t serve two masters, who is our one master? Is it this little world and this little moment in time we call our life? Or is our one master the creator of all the worlds and all the universes; the one who walks among the stars and down the timeless corridors of eternity? Is it his image that is inscribed in our heart?

The Pharisee with the thick black beard was probably the most skillful lawyer in all Jerusalem. As a devout follower of the Mosaic Law, he had studied all 613 Jewish commandments, plus all 365 prohibitions and each of the 248 ordinances. In debate he never lost. The only dark shadows on his brilliance were his recent encounters with Jesus. His well crafted, seemingly “no-win” questions had only served to give Jesus a fresh opportunity to enthrall new followers.

Today it was going to be different! The entire assembly of Pharisees was present outside the synagogue to watch Jesus fall into their trap. The black beard lawyer, standing in the midst of his brethren, seemed jubilant.

Across the courtyard the sunlight exploded against Jesus’ white robe. His back was turned to the Pharisees while he taught those seated at his feet. Their questions came at random. Jesus answered, sometimes with a parable story, sometimes with a thought-provoking return question. Sometimes Jesus would give a direct answer.

The Pharisees were talking among themselves when the one with the black beard suddenly shouted his question over to Jesus.

His loud voice split the air, silencing everyone. “Teacher, which commandment of the law is the greatest?”

The question floated out like bait on a hook. The black bearded Pharisee waited hopefully for Jesus to strike.

Jesus first response ignored the bait. It was a quote directly from the Book of Deuteronomy, the Shema, the Jewish profession of faith: “You shall love your God with your whole heart, with your whole soul, and with all your mind.”

Jesus continued, “This is the greatest and first commandment.” Then, recalling a passage from the Book of Leviticus, Jesus continued. “The second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments the whole law is based, and the prophets as well.”

The two opposing clusters of men were silent. Their own laws called them not to quarrel, but to actually love one another. Jesus’ answer left them speechless.