Message from our Pastor - October 4, 2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us the parable of the vineyard. The owner represents God; the vineyard represents His people; the tenants represent us, those to whom God has entrusted His vineyard; and the son represents Jesus Christ. This parable speaks to us about God’s patience, God’s love, and our responsibility.

First, the Gospel reveals the extraordinary patience of God. The master sends servant after servant to the tenants. Some are beaten, insulted, and even killed. Yet the master continues to give them another opportunity.

How many times have we failed God, made the same mistake, or turned away from Him? And yet, God does not give up on us. Again and again, He calls us back. But God’s patience should never be taken for granted. Our earthly journey has an end. One day, we will stand before God with the person we have become, formed by our daily choices: how we love, forgive, serve, pray, and respond to His grace.

Second, the Gospel reminds us of how much God trusts us. The owner entrusts the vineyard to the tenants and gives them freedom. In the same way, God entrusts our lives to us: our families, vocation, work, talents, time, and opportunities.

Notice that the owner prepares the vineyard before giving it to the tenants. Everything necessary has already been provided. In the same way, God gives us the grace and gifts we need to bear fruit. The question is not whether God has given us enough. The question is whether we are willing to use what He has given us.

Finally, the Gospel reveals the greatest expression of God’s love. The master sends his beloved son. Jesus knows that He will be rejected and killed, yet He still comes. Why? Because God does not give up on us. Jesus willingly accepts the Cross for our salvation. The Cross is the greatest sign of God’s love: God gives His Son so that we may become His children.

So the Gospel leaves us with a simple question: What are we doing with the vineyard God has entrusted to us? One day, the Master will ask for the fruit. Did you love? Did you forgive? Did you serve? Did you use the gifts God gave you? Did you care for the people He placed in your life? Brothers and sisters, we are not the owners of the vineyard. We are stewards. Everything we have comes from God and is entrusted to us for a time. Let us not take His patience for granted. Let us use His gifts faithfully and, above all, never forget the Son whom the Father has sent to us.

This weekend is Commitment Weekend for our Increased Offertory Program (IOP). We kindly ask you to prayerfully complete your Commitment Form and place it in the collection basket. If you are unable to return your form today, you may drop it off or mail it to the Parish Office, or simply bring it with you next Sunday, our Follow-Up Weekend. Thank you very much for your generosity, faithfulness, and continued support of St. Michael Parish. Your generosity helps us continue our mission and serve our parish family.

Fr. Peter