In this weekend’s readings, A vineyard is used metaphorically to relay a very important message.
In the Old Testament readings, the vineyard was planted, cultivated, and protected symbolized the Lord's own people (Ps 79) and the fruit that God expected of them. We can ask ourselves, after all that God does for us, what fruit are we bearing? As in the prophet Isaiah’s poem, the Gospel recounts the care a dedicated owner took of his vineyard, which he then rented to some farmers before leaving on a trip. At harvest time, the owner sends some servants to gather what corresponds to him but successively the farmers beat and kill the servants; and they do the same with the owner's son. Jesus ends the parable by asking a question, “What will the owner of the vineyard do with the sharecropper?” I wish to use the allegory of the vineyard to speak about our parish. Echoing the prophet Isaiah, I would invite you to see how God has planted his vineyard, we call Epiphany, God has taken care of it and now he expects fruits from you and me. We are also the sharecroppers in charge of working in the vineyard planted in South El Monte. In a month in which we traditionally focus on praying the rosary and fostering respect for life, I invite you to pray for the Church in general and for Epiphany in particular, and help to keep it alive. We have all been affected by the pandemic and will likely suffer long-term consequences, but we need to continue to promote the dignity of life of every person from conception to natural death, work to give life to our family and our parish. The economic reality in Epiphany today is critical; donations are low; fundraising opportunities are limited; and the expenses, like in your home, do not stop coming. We are being forced to do more with less. We are all having to make sacrifices, I ask you to help us with a little more to support this parish during this difficult time. May God our Father who loves us from all eternity, endowed us with gifts, talents, and goods and has entrusted us with the care of his creation and his Church now inspire us to share of the blessings of his generosity. Sincerely,