We are leased tenants

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : Second Week: Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 21:33-43, 45-46*

*First Reading : Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a*

*We are leased tenants*

*1) The concept of Leased tenants*

In the lease agreement there is a owner and there is a tenant 

Everything belongs to the owner. Owner prepares everything and gives to the tenant on a lease agreement for the use 

The tenant has the freedom to use the owners property, according to the conditions laid in the agreement

In the lease agreement, nothing is permanent to the tenant, everything is on temporary basis 

*2) Life is given on a lease agreement*

The concept of lease agreement is very much applicable to our life 

God is the owner and we are the tenants 

Everything belongs to God. But God has given to us for our use, according to the conditions laid in the Scriptures 

Ten commandments are the conditions for the lease agreement between God and Human beings 

Life is given to us on lease agreement. The term may be maximum 100 years. 

*3) Our Soul is on a lease agreement*

Soul is the important aspect of our life. It is the spiritual entity of our life. 

In fact this soul belongs to God, who has given us on lease deed 

God has placed the Soul in our body. On the last day of the agreement, we have to surrender this Soul to God. 

*4) Our Skills and Talents are on lease agreement*

God has blessed us with many talents and skills. 

All these are given with a purpose. The purpose is to praise God, and to spread His Kingdom and His values 

None of the Skills and talents belong to us. They are given to us on lease agreement, for a definite purpose, and for a certain period 

*5) Our mission is on lease agreement*

We have been sent with a mission. The mission to build the Kingdom of God 

The Mission is given to us by our Lord, for certain years. 

God also gives us all the necessary things which are needed to carry out the mission

Our duty is, as a faithful tenants, follow the commandments, and carry out the mission

*6) Failures in Lease agreement*

The tenants in the Gospel, violated the lease agreement and went against the will of the Master

They tried by force and violence to snatch away the vineyard of the Master 

But owner is so powerful they could do nothing

But on the contrary, the vineyard was taken back, and the owner killed the tenants who violated the lease agreement

This is what will happen to us, and to our life, if we fail to remain faithful the lease agreement

By following the commandments of the Lord, one can remain faithful to the lease agreement

Lease agreement finally takes us to the eternal abode, to become the permanent members in God's Kingdom 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*