‘Be fruitful’ (Genesis 1:28). These are God’s first words to humanity. In the first instance, this has a biological meaning; humanity is commanded to ‘increase in number and fill the earth’ (Genesis 1:28). Nevertheless, God’s intention for his new creation clearly goes beyond simply multiplying in number. God commands us to produce spiritual fruit as well. Indeed, the prophets often lament that humanity has failed to produce the fruit that God desires, such as justice, kindness, right worship, and above all else, love and mercy (cf. Isaiah 5).

Taking up this theme of spiritual fruit, Jesus likewise laments humanity’s failure to offer back to God the expected produce. Yet, Jesus’ parable is even more pointed. The tenants in the vineyard not only fail to produce fruit, but they also ill-treat the landowner’s servants and murder his son, seeking to take by force the vineyard and its produce. It is the failure of the spiritual leaders of Israel that is to blame for the lack of fruit.

‘Be fruitful’ (Genesis 1:28). God’s command in Genesis is reissued by Jesus to a ‘new humanity,’ namely, the baptised people of God. We are called to offer back to God a harvest—the rich fruits of the kingdom of God. Let us use this season of Lent to prune our branches, that is, to cut away all that is not fruitful so that new growth can occur. Let us also take the opportunity to nourish the soil of our souls. This is done through time spent in prayer and reflection, as well as by the fruitful reception of the sacraments. Let us be ready, when the Son comes, to joyfully offer up the expected produce and so share in God’s kingdom.

by Fr Michael Grace