God expects good fruit from His vineyard. As good tenants of the church we build a community that reflects the best of God’s creation.

Matthew 20:1-16 The liberty of God to accept those into His vineyard is the key to widening God's Kingdom. No matter when you come to the waters of baptism you are welcome into God's vineyard. You will receive full compensations of salvation.

Matthew 18:21-35 Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. Simply, forgive one another unconditionally. I know it takes time, but otherwise you will be imprisoned by our your own guilt. Forgiving frees both sinners.

Matthew 18:15-20 We are accountable to God and to one another. Jesus is present always and when we find ourselves in conflict with one another He can mediate. Let Jesus - his actions and words - serve as an example on how to forgive and manage sinful behavior. Many times we rely on human ways of handling hurt and injury.. This passage gives us a firm understanding on how accountability for our behavior is to be handled.

Matthew 18:10-14. Lost sheep...even just one are important to God. Jesus seeks the lost one as if it was the only one of the herd. We are called to follow that example to grow and preserve the community.

Matthew 18:5-6. The Baptized should take on the character of the child of God they are. Discipline yourselves to become trusting of God, honest, self correcting, innocent as doves. Do not tempt or cause fellow disciples to stumble or fall. Go everywhere in the name of Jesus.

Gospel lesson for this week is Matthew. 18:1-20. Today we read from verses 1-5. Child-like qualities are welcomed and affirmed and desirable in the Kingdom of Heaven. Be humble, trusting, and thirst for learning.

Matthew 16:21-28. Taking up our cross is difficult. Yet through the pain and suffering we bring glory to God by fixing our lives on following Jesus and brining his message of salvation to the world.

Matthew 16:21-24. Jesus rebukes Peter...and us. Humans are selfish creatures and easily distracted. Keep your focus on Jesus and His mission.

Matthew 16:24-25. Taking up your cross means to struggle with everyday challenges. Within the challenges are pain, anguish and even death. On the other side of the cross, out of the suffering is new life.