"The stone rejected by the builders"
27th Sunday A
Cobh
4 October 2026
My friends,
Considering the extraordinary devastation and destruction that is ongoing in the Middle East, it is difficult to read the readings in the usual way and find inspiration and hope in them. The sense and expectation that the ways and design of God will win out is more difficult to embrace.
It is distressing to say the least, to see the three great traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam engaged in a ferocious combination of conflicts in which so many innocent people have been victims. Of course, there are deep political roots in which religious faith has been enmeshed which compounds the task of those who seek to make peace.
It is not surprising therefore, to see so many people deeply agitated and outraged by the suffering of all the victims but especially the massacre of so many thousands of the Palestinian people. It is heartening that so many have raised their voices to seek peace and justice for them. Not many realise that Trócaire has been supporting ordinary Palestinian families on the ground for more than 20 years. Their mission was and is purely on a humanitarian basis. That work of justice needs to go on.
The focus of the Readings for our reflection today is the image of the vineyard as the place of God’s action in our midst. It is meant to be a place of productivity and prosperity. It is not always so – instead of good grapes and fine wine, it frequently turns out, despite the Lord’s blessing, to be a place of sour grapes and suffering. We, by our self-indulgent desires, so often frustrate the designs of God’s goodness.
Jesus, relating the parable in the Gospel is unflinching and blunt with the Chief Priests and the Elders. The tenants made short work of the Servants – not once but repeatedly. And yet, it yields a message of hope.
“It was the stone rejected by the builders
that became the cornerstone
This was the Lord’s doing
And it is wonderful to see”
That message of hope is grounded in the desire always for a new beginning.
“God of hosts, turn again, we implore
look down from heaven and see
Visit this vine and protect it
The vine your right hand has planted.”
Ps 79:15-16
It is that assurance of new beginning in the Vine that is Christ Jesus – this is our faith, this is grace in abundance. The Verses from St. Paul to the Philippians are a perpetual encouragement and inspiration for us.
“There is no need to worry; but if there is anything you need, pray for it, asking God for it with prayer and thanksgiving, and that peace of God, which is so much greater than we can understand, will guard your hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus.
I am the Vine; you are the branches.”
He is the Vine, we are the branches.
