All around us nature points to the fact we are in the midst of the autumn – the season of the harvest. Trees are shedding their brightly colored leaves; there is a definite nip in the air; and corn stalks and pumpkins are appearing on peoples’ door ways. Fall in New England, like each season of the year, is very distinctive and it is a time when we really do celebrate the harvest.

            Interestingly, even our scripture readings last weekend and this weekend use the imagery of the vineyard and the harvest to teach us about God. In the first reading from Isaiah the Prophet, he says that the vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel. Isaiah was sent to the Israelites to inform them that their waywardness was not pleasing to God. HE was sent to challenge them to change their ways or else they would perish – like the vineyard that yields only wild grapes. In the end we know that the Israelites listened and God relented and forgave them.

            In today’s gospel reading we have a similar parable addressed to the chief priests and elders of Israel . The tenant farmers who steal the harvest from the landowner abuse and kill his servants; and when he sends his son he too is killed. Jesus of course is referring to himself as the Son who is sent. Then Jesus asks what his audience thinks the landowner will do to those tenant farmers. The chief priests and elders are infuriated and says that they should be killed and the land given to others who will turn over the harvest when it is ready.

            But Jesus surprises them by saying that they lack the compassion and mercy of God because all they want is revenge. And revenge does not yield a rich harvest.

            We know that when Jesus dies on the cross, God did not exact retaliation for His death; Jesus himself offered forgiveness and compassion from the cross. Jesus went on to attain salvation for all, even those who committed his death sentence.

            These scriptures once again teach us a valuable lesson about God’s love. For It is compassionate and forgiving to all who call upon Him – slow to judge and full of mercy.

            May we reflect that kind of love to all we know and meet each day.