MARY

TREE OF LIFE

QUEEN OF THE FIELDS

by Bishop Sarhad Yawsip Jammo

          

 

  In the ancient Aramaic idiom, to “go to the field” or to “go to the vineyard” means simply to go to work.  In a society where farming is the dominant way of life, wealth meant to have expanded acreage requiring many workers.  Part of the farming, as sowing and planting, though an assiduous job, may not require too many workers, but harvesting and collecting is certainly a rushing matter, calling for a massive effort, lest exposing the precious bounty to damage or many perils.

 

            The Lord presents to us his teaching regarding the Kingdom of Heaven through the means of parables, among which the Parable of the Vineyard (Math. 20, 1-16) is quite powerful and inspiring, allowing a rich variety of explanations and applications.  A basic interpretation would certainly assert that:

a)      God is the owner of the whole spiritual realm that constitutes the Kingdom of heaven.

b)      His domain is a vast vineyard requiring many hired hands;

c)      At different intervals, he selects his workers among those who make themselves openly available.

d)      A fair reward is promised and certainly awaiting.

e)      Never is it too late for presenting ourselves and joining the spiritual crew.

f)        When rewarded, God’s generosity goes beyond our standards.

g)      Each one should be concerned for himself and appreciate his recompense.  Our satisfaction and happiness should not depend on how we score vis-à-vis our colleagues, but on the fact of working for this Royal owner.

 

Mary and the Fields, Mary and the Vineyard  

           

Since Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out toward Mary: “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed it the fruit of thy womb.” (Lk 1, 41-42), Mary is duly looked at as the queen and the patron of every fruitful endeavor.  She is the Tree of Life planted in the ultimate paradise that gave to the whole human race Jesus the divine fruit, in whom is the fullness of life.

 

            Our Diocesan Workers of the Vineyard, to be dedicated to the Kingdom of Heaven on the Marian Commemoration according to the Chaldean Calendar, cannot find a more efficient patron, a more compelling model, and a more loving and blessing mother, than the Mother of the Lord.  In her hands I commend this diocesan Association of dedicated faithful, at this moment of its foundation and initiation.