Today, Jesus takes up again, by modifying it, Isaiah’s “song of the vineyards” (5,1-7): the vineyards looked like the image of the “wife”, Israel: those whom God had shown the way to the “Torah”, but answered by breaking the law…

Now, in the words of Jesus, Israel is represented by the tenants. The story of God’s struggle —continually renewed— by and with Israel is shown in a succession of “servants” who, on behalf of the owner, come to collect the rent. The abuse to the servants reflects the history of the prophets, their suffering… Although the “son” will run the same fate; the “Master” will not abandon the vineyards: he will rent it to others…

—Isn’t this a description of our present? We declare that “God has died” and thus we are god and the “vineyard” is ours! Let’s now begin to unveil the consequences of all this… However, the death of the “Son” is not the last word: He is the “cornerstone” through His death and resurrection brings a new beginning.