27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 4 (Year A) Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80; Philippians 4:6-9; Matthew 21:33-43

In ancient Israel, a vineyard was far more than just a place to grow grapes. It was a rich symbol embedded in much of Israel’s religious literature, signifying God’s abundance and gracious generosity. It played a key role in the economy and often defined one’s wealth.

TORONTO - The parliamentary committee report on how to legalize assisted suicide may want “all publicly funded health care institutions (to) provide medical assistance in dying,” but Ontario Catholic hospitals, nursing homes and health centres aren’t having it.

NEW YORK - To hear Cardinal Walter Kasper tell it, he became the Pope’s point man for reform in the Catholic Church thanks to a bit of serendipity, or, if you will, Providence, before anyone knew that Francis was going to be the next Roman pontiff.