Job Opportunities for the Week of October 12th

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YMCA Albany Branch — Full-Time Assistant Childcare Director.

The general function of this position will be to assist the Childcare Director and will fall under the general direction of the Childcare Director. The Assistant Childcare Director has primary direction for the management of the early childhood educational programs for the branch with a special emphasis of leading and managing the Universal Pre-K program for the branch. This includes assisting with staff and budget management, as well as program curriculum.

Job Requirements: BA/BS in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred; AAS in Early Childhood Education required. Prior experience with early childhood educational programs. Prior staff supervision and early childhood program curriculum experience preferred. Excellent human relation skills, good organizational and communication skills. Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of the YMCA and its capacity to build strong kids, families and communities. The ability to articulate and model YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibilities are essential.

Principal Responsibilities: Assist in the development of the annual operating objectives and plan for the Childcare Department. Help to monitor the achievement of these objectives, notifying director of deviations from the plan. Assist in the monitoring of annual budget (income and expense) for the Department. Ensure that the department maintains a positive fiscal position. Assist with the following activities: Recruit, hire, train, develop, supervise and evaluate early childhood and school age childcare staff. This includes following all policies, procedures and timeframes of the association. Develop, coordinate and evaluate program curriculum for the early childhood and school age childcare program with a special emphasis on Universal Pre-K programs. Maintain compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations. Provide coverage to childcare sites, as needed, to ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Act as Department Head in the absence of the Childcare Director. Cultivate and maintain excellent working relationships with applicable school districts and communities.

Scheduled Shift: Full-Time/Exempt; (Approx. 40+ hrs. weekly)
Salary: Low to mid $30,000
Deadline: Until filled

Please forward resumes or applications to: Kelly Sturgis – Operations Director and/or Pedro Perez – Executive Director Capital District YMCA –Albany Branch, 616 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12204 or by E-mail here or here.

Southern Saratoga YMCA — Full-Time Aquatics Coordinator

Under the general direction of the Aquatics Director, the Aquatics Coordinator is responsible for planning, implementing, supervising and evaluating programs and staff within the Aquatics Department. Acts as department head in the absence of the Director.

Job Requirements: HS/GED with some college preferred. Minimum of two years’ experience as a swim instructor and lifeguard. Minimum one year in a supervisory role. Current certifications in CPR, AED, First Aid and Lifeguarding required. Excellent human relation skills, good organizational and communication skills.

Principal Responsibilities: Maintain reliable and organized records for daily pool usage, daily chemical reading logs and ensures meeting of all other DOH requirements. Supervision and scheduling of assigned staff. Provide orientation and training to newly hired staff. Provide program assistance to all members, and staff, including assistance with staff trainings. Assist the Aquatics Director with planning, development, implementation and assessment of any and all aquatics programs. Maintain cleanliness of facility as a member of Clean Team. All other duties, as directed.

Salary Range: $11.00 – $14.00
Work Schedule: Full Time; 40 hours weekly
Deadline: 10/31/2014

Please send all resumes to: Sarah Heslin, Director of Operations, Capital District YMCA – Southern Saratoga YMCA, 1 Wall Street Clifton Park, NY 12065 or by E-mail.

Civil Service Exam – City of Schenectady Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator/Operator Trainee

Exam Number: 300-79B
Salary Range: $16.24 Hr – $21.13 Hr (2014)
Last Date For Filing: October 20, 2014
Date Of Examination: December 6, 2014

Residency Requirement: Immediately preceding the date of the written test and appointment, candidates must have been legal residents of the City of Schenectady for at least one month.

Trainee Minimum Qualifications: (On the date of the written test) graduation from high school; or possession of a high school equivalency diploma.

Special Requirements: (At time of appointment) must possess a valid New York State driver’s license and must maintain such license throughout duration of employment.

Visit the Schenectady County website for more information.

Administrative & Staff Positions Available with St. Rose College

The following positions are available at the College of St. Rose. Descriptions for these jobs may be found at the College’s website.

Parsons Child and Family Center — Early Head Start Teacher

Our Early Head Start Center in Schenectady is seeking a Teacher in the classroom who will be responsible for establishing and maintaining supportive relationships with infants, toddlers, and parents and implementing developmentally appropriate routines and curriculum for infants and toddlers. The location for this position is 125 Bigelow Ave Schenectady, NY.

Specific duties include the following: Plan and implement individualized, developmentally appropriate, nurturing care for infants and toddlers in a center-based setting; Coordinate use of community resources to enrich the learning environment; Support program philosophy that parents are the primary educators and nurturers of their children; Supervise Teacher Assistants and provide direction to supervisees and volunteers; Coordinate screening tools, records, and required documentation; Enhance the relationship of parents and their children by encouraging parent participation; Oversee and assist with classroom cleanup and follow universal precautions daily; Assist children in transitioning beginning and end of each day and during field trips; Participate in program Self-Assessment Review Team; Maintain program standards regarding confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Required Experience: AA or Infant Toddler CDA required; Bilingual (English and Spanish/Arabic) preferred; Able to lift up to 35 pounds.

Please apply online.

Parsons Child and Family Center — Family Support Worker; Early Head Start

Our Early Head Start Center in Schenectady is seeking a Family Support Worker to ensure that client families are receiving essential services, and to maintain productive and professional relationships with clients and collateral service providers. This position is full time and based at 125 Bigelow Ave Schenectady, NY.

Specific duties include the following: Manage caseload of either 12 home-based families or 25 center-based families with weekly or quarterly visits respectively; Conduct screenings of children’s developmental milestones and refer to agency and community-based developmental support services as needed Ensure that client families are receiving essential medical services; Provide client families with parenting education and health related information Promote strong and healthy attachments between parents and children; Plan and conduct child education/socialization activities with parents; Provide transition services to families who leave the Program; Provide on-call services to families as needed; Transport client families to appointments as needed.

Required Experience: High School diploma or GED required; Associates/Bachelor’s in Human services preferred; At least two years experience in direct work with parents and children; Valid NYS driver’s license and vehicle insurance coverage; Must be willing to work in participants’ homes; Knowledge of community services available to families; Bilingual is a plus.

Please apply online.

Glendale Nursing Home is looking for LPNs and CNAs

LPN $16.72/hr. Evening and nights shifts part time. Will consider new LPNs
CNA $12.72/hr. All shifts part time. Long-term experience preferred.

Download and complete a Civil Service Application.

Please call Miriam Cajuste, Affirmative Action Office, 620 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305, telephone 518-388-4233 ext 44171 or Cindy Reiner, RN, Staff Education Supervisor, Glendale Home, 59 Hetcheltown Road, Scotia, NY 12302, telephone 518-384-3600 with questions about the posting.

LPN

CNA

Rummage/Bake Sale and Polish Kitchen this Saturday

The Holy Name of Jesus National Catholic Church, is holding its annual rummage and bake sale now featuring our Polish Kitchen this Saturday, October 18th from 9 am to 3 pm in the parish hall at 1040 Pearl Street (between Chrisler Ave. and Crane St.), Schenectady (CDTA Route 353). A bag sale will begin at 2 pm. The sale features clothing, household items, toys, furnishings, great baked goods, wonderful homemade Polish food, and many other items. Stop by – you never know what you will find.

Polish-Kitchen

Reflection for the Solemnity of the Christian Family 2014

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God bless our
family.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, a sixth day.

In the time of advance technology and information, our families are almost continually confronted by bad influences and polluting information. One of the worst influences is that of so called atheists who claim there is no God, and who reject the salvation He offered to mankind in His Son, Jesus.

An atheist might say that God is nothing more than a mythical figure, made up in our imaginations to allay our fears and insecurities.

In a way they are correct. If we, as Christians, were to understand God as a mythical figure, a distant and powerful being that acts only as an occasional wish-giver, we would be without faith and understanding. We would be worshiping and following a false and fake god. Our God is very much different.

Our God is relational, and our understanding of Him is relational. This is His ultimate reality – the binding together of all of us in relationship to Him and each other.

God’s very character starts in relationship – the inter-relatedness and unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. From that source relationship, He created us as a people desiring relationship – with Him and with each other. In coming to save us, Jesus did not just show up. He was born into family – into relationship, and throughout His life on earth He continued to build relationship.

In rejecting God, people reject the true source of relationship and the understanding that relationships, especially within family are truly blessed, are very good.

As the Creator and Builder, God set forth the family as the first and finest example of relationship. Within the Christian family we learn to love, honor, and respect others and to go on to further build relationship. It is there that our desire for relationship with God is nurtured. It is in the context of family that we become heirs to Jesus’ promises. We are brought into the family of faith, and we receive the promise of everlasting life in relationship with God and each other. In the nurture of family we learn to become like our God Who is defined in relationship.

Within the Christian family, at home and in our Church, we find God’s blessing and true life. We find how connected we are to God and to everyone who is in Him. We are blessed.

Job Opportunities for the Week of October 5th

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Graphic Design Artist

The Schenectady County Public Library is seeking an experienced and qualified person for the position of Graphic Design Artist. The position involves the responsibility for designing and producing informational materials for the library. The work is performed under the supervision of the Library Director and the Assistant Library Director with leeway given for carrying out the details of the work.

The incumbent designs and produces promotional and informational materials for the library such as flyers, posters, pamphlets, newsletters, presentations for print and web use; designs and develops web and web based products including website, staff intranet, staff and public surveys and other materials that support the library’s communication goals; develops and maintains library presence on social media platforms, which will also include taking photographs of library programs and activities for print or web use; among other activities.

Requirements:

(A) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a bachelor’s degree in communications, graphic design, public relations, media technology or a closely related field and three (3) years of experience in web design and maintenance; use of web software applications and desktop publishing and graphic design of print materials; OR

(B) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college with an associate’s degree in communications, graphic design, public relations, media technology or a closely related field and five (5) years of experience as defined by the limits of (A) above; OR

(C) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) above.

Competitive salary, excellent benefit package includes New York State retirement, generous health, dental, vacation, sick and personal leave. Employee must be a Schenectady County resident.

Interested qualified candidates must submit a resume and cover letter by October 17, 2014 to: David McGraw, Director of Human Resources, 620 State St., Schenectady, New York 12305 or by E-mail.

Schenectady County is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Substance Abuse Counselors (bi-lingual candidates preferred)

Acacia Network, a progressive community based development organization spanning from the Bronx to Buffalo, offering Substance Abuse Rehabilitation, Residential Inpatient and Outpatient Methadone Maintenance, Chemical Dependency, and Primary Care Clinics, seeks Substance Abuse Counselors.

Requirements:

Candidate must have at least a High School Diploma or GED. Candidates must be hold a current valid License Practical Nurse license issued by New York State. Candidate must have 3 yrs experience in an OASAS treatment program with the ability to dispense medication. Bilingual (English/Spanish) a big plus.

Duties:

Follow accepted standards of nursing practice in providing direct care, performing procedures, and using equipment. Assesses clients at the time of intake, and then on an on-going basis. If new medical or nursing needs are apparent, communicates these to the client’s Primary Care Provider. Coordinates necessary client services with other interdisciplinary team members in the comprehensive care planning process. Provides nursing care to clients on a routine and crisis basis. Maintains accurate documentation of all nursing activities. Dispenses medication and renders treatment as prescribed by Primary Care Provider. As a part of the initial evaluation and the 90-day reassessment, reviews client’s medical history including medication. Verifies with Medical Director required services. With the Medical Director, maintains adequate infection control standards. Ensures the provision and coordination of staff teaching regarding prevention, transmission, risk reduction and risk elimination strategies for HIV/AIDS.

For immediate consideration, please apply online, send your resume to R. Lewis, A. Herrera, and Human Resources or fax to (347) 649-3078.

Substance Abuse Counselors (CASAC) for the ALBANY Methadone Outpatient Program

Acacia Network is looking for qualified Substance Abuse Counselors (CASAC) for our ALBANY Methadone Outpatient Program located in the Albany, New York.

About Us:

Acacia Network, a progressive community based development organization spanning from the Bronx to Buffalo, offering Substance Abuse Rehabilitation, Residential Inpatient and Outpatient Methadone Maintenance, Chemical Dependency, and Primary Care Clinics, seeks Substance Abuse Counselors.

Job Requirements:

Candidate must have at least a High School Diploma or GED. Candidates must be hold a current valid CASAC Certification issued by NYS OASAS. Candidate must have 3 yrs experience as Substance Abuse Counselor in an OASAS treatment program. Bilingual (English/Spanish) a big plus. Develops and conducts group individual and family counseling on a scheduled basis to caseload clients/residents. Obtain weekly random urine samples according to established protocol. Orients clients/residents about program goals, objectives, rules and regulations, client’s obligations, client’s rights and program operation. Demonstrates knowledge of group work management techniques and uses those techniques appropriately. Demonstrates appropriate treatment planning and clinical intervention. Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate documentation. Provides education and information to the client about alcohol and drug abuse. Maintains and updates referral services and resources that may be useful to our client/resident population; makes referral when necessary and appropriate.

As one of the paramount not for profit organization in the country, we offer the chosen candidate, a multitude of benefits, including comprehensive full health care package, disability, life insurance, coupled with a generous vacation and pension plan and flexible schedules.

For immediate consideration, please apply online, send your resume to R. Lewis, A. Herrera, and Human Resources or fax to (347) 649-3078.

Assistant Childcare Director

The CDYMCA Albany Branch is seeking to fill a Full-Time Exempt position of Assistant Childcare Director. The general function of this position will be to assist the Childcare Director and will fall under the general direction of the Childcare Director. The Assistant Childcare Director has primary direction for the management of the early childhood educational programs for the branch with a special emphasis of leading and managing the Universal Pre-K program for the branch. This includes assisting with staff and budget management, as well as program curriculum.

Job Requirements:

BA/BS in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred; AAS in Early Childhood Education required. Prior experience with early childhood educational programs. Prior staff supervision and early childhood program curriculum experience preferred. Excellent human relation skills, good organizational and communication skills. Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of the YMCA and its capacity to build strong kids, families and communities. The ability to articulate and model YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibilities are essential.

Principal Responsibilities:

Assist in the development of the annual operating objectives and plan for the Childcare Department. Help to monitor the achievement of these objectives, notifying director of deviations from the plan. Assist in the monitoring of annual budget (income and expense) for the Department. Ensure that the department maintains a positive fiscal position. Assist with the following activities: Recruit, hire, train, develop, supervise and evaluate early childhood and school age childcare staff. This includes following all policies, procedures and timeframes of the association. Develop, coordinate and evaluate program curriculum for the early childhood and school age childcare program with a special emphasis on Universal Pre-K programs. Maintain compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations. Provide coverage to childcare sites, as needed, to ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Act as Department Head in the absence of the Childcare Director. Cultivate and maintain excellent working relationships with applicable school districts and communities.

Scheduled Shift: Full-Time/Exempt; (Approx. 40+ hrs. weekly)
Salary: Low to mid $30,000
Deadline: Until filled

Please forward resumes or applications to: Kelly Sturgis – Operations Director and/or Pedro Perez – Executive Director Capital District YMCA –Albany Branch, 616 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12204 or by E-mail here or here.

Aquatics Coordinator

The Southern Saratoga YMCA is looking for a dynamic individual to fill the position of full time Aquatics Coordinator. Under the general direction of the Aquatics Director, the Aquatics Coordinator is responsible for planning, implementing, supervising and evaluating programs and staff within the Aquatics Department. Acts as department head in the absence of the Director.

Job Requirements: HS/GED with some college preferred. Minimum of two years’ experience as a swim instructor and lifeguard. Minimum one year in a supervisory role. Current certifications in CPR, AED, First Aid and Lifeguarding required. Excellent human relation skills, good organizational and communication skills. At the Y, our cause is to strengthen community. To fulfill this promise, we require strong cause-driven leaders to effect lasting personal and social change regarding our organization’s three key areas: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Our employees are all leaders committed to nurturing the potential of all, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility.

Principal Responsibilities:

Maintain reliable and organized records for daily pool usage, daily chemical reading logs and ensures meeting of all other DOH requirements. Supervision and scheduling of assigned staff. Provide orientation and training to newly hired staff. Provide program assistance to all members, and staff, including assistance with staff trainings. Assist the Aquatics Director with planning, development, implementation and assessment of any and all aquatics programs. Maintain cleanliness of facility as a member of Clean Team. All other duties, as directed.

Salary Range: $11.00 – $14.00
Work Schedule: Full Time; 40 hours weekly
Deadline: 10/31/2014

Please send all resumes to: Sarah Heslin, Director of Operations, Capital District YMCA – Southern Saratoga YMCA, 1 Wall Street, Clifton Park, NY 12065 or by E-mail.

Associate Executive Membership, Residence Director of Operations, Director Of Clinical Support Services

Under the general direction of the Administrative CFO, Executive Director Schenectady, Associate Executive Membership, Residence Director of Operations, Director Of Clinical Support Services assist in the delivery of services for the Payeeship Program for the mentally ill of Schenectady County, with the goal of moving clients toward financial independence for 20 hours weekly. In addition under the direction of the Executive Director, Associate Executive, Director of Operations, and Director of Clinical Support Services the Administrative assistant performs office/clerical functions for the appropriate branch or administrative location for an additional 20 hours weekly.

Job Requirements:

AAS or AS in Human Services or related field. Two years prior work experience with the mentally ill population. Bookkeeping/Accounting experience a plus. Strong financial and computer skills required. Organizational and file management skills are a must. Excellent human relation skills and communication skills. Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of the YMCA and its capacity to build strong kids, families and communities. The ability to articulate and model YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibilities are essential.

Principal Responsibilities:

Maintenance and receipt of client list from the Office of Community Services and/or other referring county agencies. Develop and maintain client database with schedule of disbursement of funds. Perform research on grants via the internet, as requested. Disbursement of funds (rent, clothing, food, etc.) as needed and according to appropriate policies and procedures. Reconciliation of accounts on a monthly basis. Education of clients regarding set up and maintenance of budget as well as sound personal management. Develop and maintain client’s budgets. Accurate, professional typing and distribution of correspondence and other policies, plans, contracts, etc., as needed. Accurately review and process timecards and appropriate HR paperwork. Professionally answer the telephone and appropriately take messages. Assist residents in completion of paperwork, telephone, referrals, and any other needed services. Develop and maintain central filing system. Assist with planning and execution of branch special events. Special projects as requested and needed. Ensure cleanliness of facility as a member of Clean Team. All other duties as assigned.

Scheduled Hours: Full Time; 11:30am – 7:30pm 40 hours weekly
Pay Range: $10.00 – $12.00 hour
Deadline: 10/10/14

Please forward resumes to: Lou Magliocca, Executive Director, Capital District YMCA – Schenectady YMCA, 433 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305 or by E-mail.

Apprenticeship Opportunities

image001New York State District Council 9 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades offers the following apprenticeship opportunities:

  • Structural Steel & Bridge Painters: The work consists of building and dismantling containments, lead abatement and blasting and painting of Structural and Bridges. 3 year program. First year wages: $17.20 per hour. Night school.
  • Glaziers: The work consists of setting, removal, cutting and handling of all forms of glass. The caulking of all glass, metal and stone in the glazing system. Installation of all metal frames, storefront windows skylights. The Driving of trucks and hoisting of materials. 4 year program. First year wages: $15.60 per hour. Night school.
  • Metal Polishers: The work consists of polishing metals, bronze, brass, aluminum, stainless steel, etc. Examining surfaces for repair. Cleaning, stripping, sanding and buffing of surfaces. Repairing of breaks prior to refinishing. Brushing and spraying lacquer on finished surfaces. 3 year program. First year wages: $11 per hour. Day/Night school.
  • Painter: Painting houses, commercial buildings, outside windows, stairs, and apartment buildings, etc. The work is done on repaint and new construction. 4 year program. First year wages: $13.20 per hour. Day school.
  • Drywall Taper: The Work consists of preparing panels for painting by taping and finishing joints and imperfections, measuring, cutting and fit pieces for doors, windows and outlets and other architectural surfaces, gluing, and screwing wall board to the frame. 3 year program. First year wages: $15.93 per hour. Day school.

Eligibility

Apprenticeship applicants, before being accepted as Apprentices, must be able to meet the following requirements: Applicants shall fill in the application form in person; Must be 18 years of age; Must produce their high school diploma or GED; Demonstrate evidence of ability to reach remote job sites; Must produce proper identification; and Applicants must be physically able to perform the work required of the trade.

The apprenticeship program consists of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction. Apprentices must attend classroom training and maintain a satisfactory attendance record.

Advantages

As a member of District Council No. 9 many benefits will be available to you, including fair wages and a benefit package. Along with these benefits, you will have the chance to upgrade you skill on many different levels during you career at our training center. All skills upgrade courses are a benefit to all our members. Every instructor is certified and trained to instruct each class they teach. Each apprentice has the opportunity for advancement in the field. Shop Stewards, Foremen, Estimators, Supervisors and Union Officer all come from the rank and file of District Council No.9. Monthly Local Union Meeting held in each geographic area of the voice in all business conduct by the District Council and International Union of Painters and Allied Trades.

Apprentices are employed workers. They are given regular wage increases and diversified training. Apprentices learn a skill that lets them and their family enjoy a good standard of life. Apprentices are paid good wages while they learn the trade. Our members are part of one of the most politically active unions in New York City.

For more information, please contact the Finishing Trades Institute.

Jobs for Veterans and Planning for Veteran’s Day

Job Fair

A Veterans Job Fair will be held on Thursday, October 23rd from 10am to 3pm at the Albany Stratton VA Campus, 67 Veterans Way, (New Scotland Ave. Entrance), Albany, New York.

The job fair is open to Active Duty Service Members, Reservists, National Guard, Veterans of all eras and their spouses. Dress for success and bring your Resume, VA/Military ID and/or your DD214. Veterans interested in a career at the VA please call 518-626-JOBS. Participating employers include: Public (Federal/State/Local) and Private.

If you are a Veteran Call 518-626-MyVA to Enroll for VA Healthcare Today. Events are sponsored by VA Medical Center Office of Vocational Services.

Veterans Job Fair

Salute to Veterans

The Honorable Kathleen Jimino and the Rensselaer County Veteran’s Service Agency are sponsoring a Salute to Veterans – Honoring Those that Served and the 16th Annual Veterans’ Breakfast on Sunday, November 9th from 8:30am to 11:30am as well as a noontime medal presentation ceremony at the Veterans of Lansingburgh, 777 1st Avenue, Troy, New York. The event is free to all veterans and their families.

Salute to Veterans

Reflection for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2014

Isaiah 5 1-7

Help me to remain
faithful.

Let me now sing of my friend, my friend’s song concerning his vineyard. My friend had a vineyard on a fertile hillside; he spaded it, cleared it of stones, and planted the choicest vines; within it he built a watchtower, and hewed out a wine press. Then he looked for the crop of grapes, but what it yielded was wild grapes.

Today’s readings from Isaiah and from the gospel are cautionary. We need to take heed of their many lessons, but most especially the need to remain faithful to God’s call to live His way of life, to become more and more like Him, and to bear good fruit.

Both Isaiah and the gospel use analogy and parable to show what God had done for Israel. They also show that rejecting faithfulness will never lead to triumph.

The vineyard, hedge, wall, tower, and winepress represent God’s work at building Israel. He brought it all it needed to be beautiful, sweet, and successful. He protected it by His strong arm. He gave it kings to lead it, and prophets to reform it. He looked for its people to live real, genuine, and pious lives filled with virtue, godliness and righteousness.

Jesus makes plain that the landowner, that is God, in His care for us does not require any works on our part to come to faithfulness. He does all the work (plants, hedges, digs, and builds) so that we might freely give ourselves over to Him in an act of faith. He wants us to take up His work in the world and asks us to commit to it. If we live faithfully, we will build upon what Jesus has taught. He will be the true cornerstone for our lives.

The importance of faithfulness is made clear by the absence of that faithfulness in Israel despite God continued call and presence. God’s first chosen refused to be faithful. They brought forth “wild grapes.” This doesn’t just mean sour grapes – but grapes that are poisonous, offensive, noxious, and deadly. A life without faithfulness is empty and spiritually dead.

So, we see the two extremes. One is total faithlessness, the other faithfulness. We know that our life is a mix of the two. We fall from time to time in sin. The key aspect is that we recognize what Jesus calls us to do. When we loose our faithfulness, we must re-recognize His generosity towards us. We must recall that God never abandons us, but rather continuously offers us another chance. As God did for Israel He does for us. He calls us back, to recognize His faithfulness towards us. He helps us, by His grace to be faithful. Will we live real, genuine, and pious lives filled with virtue, godliness and righteousness, or will we reject Him completely and end up spiritually dead?

We must continue to work at our faithfulness, to recall our commitment to Him.