Resources, Prayers, Games, and Lesson Plans
More Thoughts and Reflection Questions
Quotes and Social Media Graphics
Mass Readings for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
- First Reading – Isaiah 5:1-7: “: A friend cultivates a vineyard with great care but gets wild grapes. He questions what more he could have done and decides to abandon the vineyard, letting it turn into a wasteland. This vineyard is an allegory for the house of Israel, where expected justice turns to chaos.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 80: God planted a vine from Egypt, cleared the land, and let it flourish. Then, its walls were broken, making it vulnerable to beasts and trespassers. A plea is made for divine care and restoration so that the vine, representing Israel, will thrive and its people will be saved.
- Second Reading – Philippians 4:6-9: Don't worry, but instead bring your concerns to God through prayer. When you do, God's peace will guard your heart and mind. Focus on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, and lovely. By following this guidance and emulating good examples, you'll find peace.
- Gospel – Matthew 21:33-43: A landowner leases a vineyard but the tenants mistreat his servants and kill his son. When asked, the elders agree that the owner will evict these tenants and find new ones. Jesus warns that those who reject the cornerstone will lose the kingdom of God.
Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey.
Matthew 21:33
Themes for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
The readings for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year A focus on discipleship and our choice to follow Jesus or not. In the first reading Israel is warned that they must be faithful. The psalm begs God to return to the vineyard and care for it once again. The second reading encourages Christians to continue along the path that Jesus has shown us. And in the gospel Jesus tells the parable of the tenants, who rejected the landowner.
- Parable of the Vineyard: The parable of the vineyard highlights the theme of God's ownership and care over His creation. The vineyard symbolizes God's kingdom, and the tenants represent humanity's responsibility to steward it.
- Rejection of Messengers: The theme of rejecting God's messengers is evident as the tenants mistreat and kill the servants sent by the owner. This reflects the historical pattern of disregarding God's messages and messengers.
- Sending the Son: The owner's decision to send his son underscores the theme of God's ultimate outreach. Sending His Son, Jesus, reflects God's desire to restore the relationship with humanity through a new covenant.
- Crucial Choice and Accountability: The theme of choice and accountability emerges as the tenants plot to seize the inheritance. Their decision leads to severe consequences, highlighting the importance of right choices and their consequences.
- Transfer of Responsibility: The transfer of responsibility from unfaithful tenants to others underscores the theme of God's plan for redemption. This symbolizes the transition from the Jewish covenant to the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's kingdom.
- Rejected Stone and Cornerstone: The reference to the stone rejected by the builders becoming the cornerstone illustrates the theme of God's sovereignty. This emphasizes that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, even if initially rejected by people.
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A.
Resources for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Have No Anxiety – Reflection and Discussion Questions
Cornerstone Connection Activity: A Team-Building Exercise
Have No Anxiety – Reflection and Discussion Questions
The Second Reading for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Philippians 4:6-9, advises against worry and encourages bringing concerns to God through prayer, leading to a guarded heart and mind filled with peace. The reflection "Have No Anxiety" focuses on this passage, prompting youth to explore how placing trust in God can relieve fear and foster a life of freedom.
Cornerstone Connection Activity: A Team-Building Exercise
The gospel for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Matthew 21:33-43, emphasizes the significance of the cornerstone in Christian faith. To help children aged 8-14 grasp this concept, the Cornerstone Connection activity has been crafted. This interactive game merges architectural, biblical, and life-skill lessons into an engaging educational experience. Its core aim is to convey the importance of the cornerstone, both in architectural stability and as a metaphor for foundational elements found in the Bible, notably in Matthew 21:42. Through this activity, children can gain a deeper understanding of this essential concept that underpins their faith.
A Prayer to Restore Our World
A prayer based on Psalm 80, the Responsorial Psalm for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, seeks divine restoration for a world damaged by human actions. The prayer calls for a transformation of attitudes and behaviors, aiming to rebuild what has been mistreated. With a plea for renewed love for the world and one another, it acknowledges the Creator's role in the beauty of creation and implores for a fresh start and a renewed life. The prayer embraces the possibility of change with divine assistance.
Fearful Finds Relay
The Second Reading for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Philippians 4:6-9, advises against worry and encourages prayer as a means to confront fear. To engage with this theme, the "Fearful Finds Relay" game challenges participants to overcome their fear by reaching into a box of unfamiliar contents to find coins. The activity playfully tests their ability to face uncertainty and offers an opportunity for humorous reactions. Reflection questions follow the game, fostering contemplation about managing fear and embracing trust.
The Letter to the Philippians: Nurturing Unity and Joy
The second reading for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Philippians 4:6-9, offers guidance against worrying, advocating prayer to connect with God and find peace. By focusing on virtuous attributes and following positive examples, individuals can guard their minds and hearts with God's peace. The Epistle to the Philippians offers a roadmap for a purposeful and resilient Christian life. Its teachings encourage community, joy, humility, and unwavering faith in Christ's presence, enabling believers to navigate challenges and cultivate harmony.
Resources for the Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Matthew 21:33-43, presents the parable of a vineyard leased by a landowner. The tenants mistreat his servants and even kill his son. This allegory highlights the rejection of Jesus as the cornerstone and warns of the consequences for those who reject God's message. The Gospel of Matthew underscores the significance of faith and trust in God, showcasing Jesus' unwavering commitment despite challenges. The Gospel also portrays Jesus engaging in debates with religious leaders, defending his teachings and authority.
Homilies and Reflections for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Maintaining Peace in Challenging Times (Jeff Cavins)
Freedom from Anxiety (Brant Pitre)
The Lord’s Vineyard (Bishop Robert Barron)
In this reflection for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Jeff Cavins discusses Matthew 21, warning against becoming rebellious like the tenants in the vineyard. He suggests using Philippians 4 as a guide to manage frustrations. According to Cavins, the key to inner peace is prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. He emphasizes that this prayer should come from a place of humility. The overall message is to maintain a peaceful state of mind in challenging times.
Dr. Brant Pitre talks about the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians, where Paul encourages the church to find peace and freedom from anxiety. He highlights that according to Paul, the method for achieving this is through prayer and thanksgiving, helping people to detach from worldly concerns and find peace regardless of circumstances.
The Lord’s Vineyard
In this homily fort he 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Bishop Robert Barron discusses the story of the vineyard from Isaiah as a metaphor for God's relationship with his people. He emphasizes that although God provides the environment and protection, it's on us to bear good fruit through our actions and faith. When people stray from religious commitments, the vineyard—symbolizing the community of believers—falls into ruin. On the other hand, when human and divine love align, the vineyard thrives. Hope for salvation exists, but it isn't a guarantee; cooperation with divine grace is crucial.
Living on the Vine
In this refection fort he 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Scott Hahn discusses the recurring Biblical theme of the vineyard as a symbol for Israel and the Church. He explains that God, as the vineyard owner, expected Israel to produce "good grapes" or righteous lives, but was let down and allowed foreign invasions as a consequence. Jesus continues this story, criticizing Israel's religious leaders for their failure to produce good fruit and for rejecting God's prophets. Hahn emphasizes that in the eyes of Jesus, the vineyard, now representative of the kingdom of God, will be reassigned to the Church's leaders. He concludes by urging people to avoid worldly distractions and to focus on virtuous living.
Peace Beyond Understanding
In this homily fort he 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Bishop Robert Barron delves into St. Paul's letter to the Philippians, focusing on the advice for achieving peace by staying connected to God. He advises that real peace comes from moving from life's ups and downs to a spiritual "center," where one feels a stable connection to God. The Bishop also stresses the importance of surrounding oneself with what is good, true, and beautiful to maintain this inner serenity. While worldly pleasures are temporary, this spiritual state of peace is enduring and surpasses ordinary experiences. It is attainable even in the face of suffering when one remains strongly linked to God.
More Thoughts for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
The Symbolism of Vines
Grapes hold deep significance in the Bible, particularly in the context of vineyards in ancient Israel. These vineyards weren't just sources of fruit and wine; they symbolized the relationship between God and His people. In the first reading for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A (Isaiah 5:1-7), the prophet likens Israel to a vineyard tended by the Lord. This imagery carries a message of care and expectation. The poetic song describes God's nurturing efforts and Israel's shortcomings, represented by the metaphor of "wild grapes" – a symbol of sin.
The resonance of vines continues in the responsorial psalm (Psalm 80), where the psalmist reflects on Israel's history as a planted vine. This reflection likely emerged during the challenging exile of Judah. Despite their errors, the vine – representative of God's people – remains a focus of divine concern. These accounts emphasize that God's connection to humanity endures, even amidst their mistakes. It's a hopeful image, depicting God's ongoing care, not an ethereal provision but a tangible commitment.
In these vineyard narratives, the tangled relationship between God and His people is laid bare. The vines serve as a stark reminder of human fallibility and divine patience. Amidst warnings and hardships, the message isn't flowery or grandiose, but a reminder of God's unchanging care, offering an undiminished bond with His people, even in the face of their waywardness.
Seeking Peace Amidst Turmoil
The parable of the wicked tenants, recounted in the gospel for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A (Matthew 21:33-43), holds a mirror to the Jewish leaders, who recognize its pointed message directed at them. Across history, prophets have faced mistreatment, and now, these leaders are poised to apprehend Jesus, unmistakably depicted as the son in the narrative. Jesus reinforces his stance by quoting Psalm 118, revealing his awareness of their rejection, yet affirming his commitment to fulfilling his Father's will. A parallel narrative unfolds in the early Christian community, enduring similar rejection.
Paul's exhortation in the second reading offers solace to this community, reminding them to embrace the peace of Christ amid tribulations. In our contemporary world, where peace often seems elusive, Paul's counsel holds resonance. As we navigate global complexities, it's crucial to heed his guidance. Engage in heartfelt prayers, both supplicative and appreciative, staying attuned to world events while striving for the tranquil embrace of God's kingdom.
In summary, the parable's resonance echoes through time, akin to the struggles faced by early Christians. Paul's reminder of seeking Christ's peace endures as a beacon in our tumultuous world. Embracing this wisdom, we can navigate challenges with an unwavering commitment to peace, offering our prayers amidst the turmoil of the present age.
Cultivating Truth and Responsibility
The gospel parable for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A (Matthew 21:33-43) also serves as a poignant call for us to actively protect and support those who courageously speak the truth, despite the challenges they may encounter. Just as the landowner's servants faced adversity, contemporary truth-bearers also confront opposition, and it's our responsibility to ensure their safety and amplify their voices.
The parable also emphasizes the importance of caring for the vineyards in our lives. The vineyard is a metaphor for the blessings and responsibilities God entrusts us with. Just as the tenants were expected to cultivate and tend the vineyard, we're called to nurture and steward the gifts bestowed upon us. This concept underscores the significance of being accountable and diligent stewards of our relationships, talents, and resources. By actively caring for our "vineyards," we honor God's intentions for us and contribute to the flourishing of our lives and the lives of those around us.
Reflection Questions for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
- How does the imagery of vineyards in the Bible relate to the relationship between God and His people?
- What message is conveyed by likening Israel to a vineyard tended by the Lord in the first reading (Isaiah 5:1-7)?
- How does the metaphor of "wild grapes" symbolize Israel's shortcomings and sin?
- What significance does the responsorial psalm (Psalm 80) hold in reflecting on Israel's history as a planted vine?
- How do the vineyard narratives emphasize God's enduring connection to humanity despite their mistakes?
- What parallels can be drawn between the parable of the wicked tenants (Matthew 21:33-43) and the treatment of prophets throughout history?
- How does Jesus' use of Psalm 118 reinforce his commitment to fulfilling his Father's will despite rejection?
- What solace does Paul's exhortation provide to the early Christian community in facing tribulations?
- How can Paul's counsel of seeking Christ's peace resonate in our contemporary world's complexities?
- In what ways can we actively protect and support truth-bearers who face opposition, as depicted in the parable?
- How does the parable emphasize our responsibility to nurture and steward the blessings and responsibilities entrusted to us?
- How does actively caring for our "vineyards" contribute to honoring God's intentions and the flourishing of our lives and relationships?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
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Music Suggestions for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
- All Good Gifts
- Alleluia Sing to Jesus
- Celtic Alleluia
- Christ Be Near Us
- Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
- Church of God, Elect and Glorious
- Cornerstone
- God Has Planted Christ the Vine
- God of Day and God of Darkness
- Here I Am Lord
- I Am the True Vine and You Are the Branches
- If Today You Hear God’s Voice
- In Christ Alone
- Love Divine All Love Excelling
- No Other Foundation Can Anyone Lay
- O Christ, the Great Foundation
- O God Our Help in Ages Past
- Our God Reigns
- Praise to You, O Christ Our Savior
- The Church’s One Foundation
- The Rock of Faith
- The Vineyard of the Lord (Colson)
- The Vineyard of the Lord (Keil)
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
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