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When God calls you to work in the vineyard, how do you respond? In this episode, Friedrich Wasmann’s A Vineyard at Merano and Jesus’ parable of the two children challenge us to reflect on our willingness to follow through. Join Rev. Rob McPherson in a prayerful exploration of calling, commitment, and courage.

Matthew 21:28-31a

Use this guide for prayer and contemplation. Read slowly, pausing as needed for silence and reflection.

Opening

Find a comfortable posture. Let your shoulders soften, and allow your hands to rest.

Take a slow breath in. And a gentle breath out.

God is here.

Reflection on Contemplative Prayer

Today, we pray with an image: a country road, a crucifix, and a vineyard set among mountains. As you gaze, let the ordinary realities of your day—fatigue, labor, longing, and wonder—come into God’s presence.

Notice what rises in you: the desire for a more natural prayer life, the hope of seeing God in the world around you, or the sense of how easily you can be distracted from the life God wants for you. Listen—not only for what God is saying, but for how God is inviting that word to become visible in your life.

Scripture

Matthew 21:28–31 (The Inclusive Bible)

Jesus said, “What do you think? There was a landowner who had two children. The landowner approached the elder and said, ‘My child, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The first child replied, ‘No, I won’t,’ but afterwards regretted it and went.

The landowner then came to the second child and said the same thing. The second child said in reply, ‘I’m on my way,’ but never went. Which of the two did what was wanted?”

Holy Spirit, meet us in this word. As we pray, let this vineyard become the place where you show us our true response—and the grace that can turn our steps toward you.

Artwork for Prayerful Reflection

A Vineyard at Merano — Friedrich Wasmann

Let your eyes wander slowly across the whole scene.

On the right side of the painting, notice the crucifix beside the lane, and the person standing beneath it. Imagine this figure as the landowner in Jesus’ parable, and imagine yourself as one of the children being called.

Reflection Questions

As you look at this painting, what is stirring in your soul?

Where do you notice fatigue, toil, or weariness in your life right now—and how do you want to bring it to Christ?

What in the world around you has been pointing you toward God lately?

What in the world around you has been pulling your attention away from the life God wants for you?

As you imagine the landowner beckoning you, what feels like “the vineyard” God is asking you to work in today?

When you hear the invitation to work in the vineyard, what is your first reaction—excitement, hesitation, resistance, relief, or something else?

How does the parable speak to that reaction?

What might get in the way of doing what God is asking of you today?

What help do you need to set aside those hesitations or obstacles—and who might God be inviting you to ask for support?

What is one image or detail from the painting you want to hold onto as a reminder of what God has spoken to you?

Closing

Be near to us, Christ, in our weariness and in our work. Give us courage to follow through on what you ask of us, and let your call become evident in our lives. Amen.