Vineyard

And he began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. And he sent another servant. But they also beat and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. And he sent yet a third. This one also they wounded and cast out. Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’ But when the tenants saw him, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, so that the inheritance may be ours.’ And they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When they heard this, they said, “Surely not!” But he looked directly at them and said, “What then is this that is written:
“‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” Luke 20:9-18

The Vineyard

We are stewards of rich lands
swelling with plants and fruits
under golden summer skies we toil
jealous and wanting to possess it.

We are children in a wealthy family
burdened with riches and intellect
we walk our upscale neighborhood
laden with furs, leather and linen.

We are well-fed and well-school
we have earned nothing but we protest
all the small labors we have been given
all the miniscule rules that keep us safe.

The Creator walks in the garden
surveying the green and groaning vines
swelling fruit in season and smiles
but we stand aside and desire more.