On the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the K’iche’ Maya community gathered to celebrate their patronal festivities in honor of their patron saint. Joining the community for this special celebration were Msgr. Gerard Lopez, Vicar General of the Diocese, and Rev. Fidel Rivero, Pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Corona, who accompanied the community in this joyful occasion.
Msgr. Lopez reflected on the Gospel image of the vineyard. He recalled the vineyards of the Holy Land, as well as the former vineyards, citrus groves, and agricultural lands that once characterized the communities of Chino and Corona. He spoke about the care and work required to maintain a vineyard and how, when it is neglected, its fruit can spoil or become sour.
He explained that, in the Gospel, Jesus uses the vineyard as an image of the Church and that Christ is the Lord of the vineyard. It is Christ who plants and nurtures the vineyard so that it may bear abundant fruit. At the same time, the Lord invites each of us to participate in the care and needs of the vineyard.
Msgr. Lopez also acknowledged that tending the Lord’s vineyard is not without its challenges. He stated that the K’iche’ community, in a very real way, has experienced these challenges in recent years. They have endured the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, the impact of immigration enforcement actions. These have been difficult and painful times, when loved ones could be present one day and gone the next.
Yet, even amid these challenges, Msgr. Lopez encouraged the community to remain firm in their faith. He invited them to continue praying for an end to the suffering caused by these circumstances and, despite the difficulties they face, to continue faithfully tending the vineyard of the Lord. Through their faith, their perseverance, and their care for one another, they continue to bear fruit and to be a living presence of God’s love in their community.