Reflection for Sunday – October 4, 2026

Sr. Karen Dietz, SSJSunday Readings Homilies

Readings: Isaiah 5: 1-7; Philippians 4: 6-9; Matthew 21: 33-43 
Preacher: Sr. Karen Dietz

The Season of Creation, as declared by Pope Francis and affirmed by Pope Leo officially ends today, October 4th. This is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, and this year marks 800 years since his death. The readings for today are replete with images of the vineyard. Here in our part of the country this is a most familiar image. Any drive along the Finger Lakes region will undoubtedly include passing by a vineyard or two. I begin my reflections this week with all of this as a backdrop. 

In the readings from Isaiah, the vineyard is the house of Israel, the chosen people, and the prophet is noting that they are not acting as such. Instead, there is bloodshed and ruin, souring the harvest. The people have taken the gift of God and made a mockery of it. Matthew, in the Gospel, reminds the listener that the vineyard is a gift from God and if the current tenant mistreats the gift, it will be taken away and given to another. What do these two stories about vineyards, tenants and landowners have to say to us? 

As we bring the Season of the Care for Creation to a close, I think one message is a strong reminder of the responsibility we have as caretakers of the planet. We have been gifted so much in the air we breathe, the land on which we live and the water that nourishes us, body and soul. The stern reprimand from both Isaiah and Jesus concerning the care of the natural world passes through the centuries, peoples, nations and civilizations right through to you and to me. Though the climate is suffering because of how we have stripped natural resources and abused the natural world, it is not too late. There are things we can all do. The scriptures today remind us that this planet and the natural world are our inheritance. What are some things you can do, big and small, to make a difference?

I also see a mandate to each of us as believers to be kind to others, to care for them regardless of who they are. I recently spent a few days in New York City. We took the subway everywhere we went. I had not been in a situation where I interacted with so many different people in a short space of time. There are those who come on the train oblivious to others, but mostly I saw people who saw others. They moved tighter to one another if someone needed a seat, many smiled at those around them, some shared conversation. I am sure that everyone on those trains had their own struggles or concerns of the day, and yet most acknowledged the others around them with some care. This is the kind of interaction I believe we are called to. We are not going to be BFFs with everyone we meet, but we can share a smile, offer a seat, and extend a hand in kindness. 

All that we have has been given to us as a gift. We are abundantly blessed, even as we struggle. Today’s messages are simple; they are the bedrock on which all Christian principles stand. Most of us have received something precious from a family member or friend. Do you wear, use or display this gift? Or is it tucked away in a drawer or box for safe keeping? The gift of creation is a precious one, given to us to safeguard. This does not mean we keep it locked up, pulling it out for special occasions. No, this means we partner with creation and use it responsibly. And this includes how we interact with other human beings.

There is a popular saying: “if you can be nothing else, be kind.” The second reading today from St. Paul is an exhortation to this important message: “Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious … think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned … then the God of peace will be with you.” As I often close, imagine what a world it would be if we all took this message to heart. Here is the prayer of the Church for this time:

God of all creation,

How splendid and majestic is the world you created! It reveals your glory; it teaches us about you. When you made us in your image, you gave us this command: care for the world and for all the creatures in it, for this is our common home. Yet your holy creation cries out, for our home is “burdened and laid waste,” scorched and scarred. Come among us that we might remember our interdependence. Let us see the face of your Son in those who suffer from the destruction of our common home. Help us to be stewards who honor you in the world you have made for the good of all creation and for future generations. May your justice reign forever! Amen.

Sr. Karen Dietz, SSJ
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