Isaiah 55:6-9
Philippians 1:20C-24, 27A
Matthew 20:1-16A

God’s Generosity

If you were asked to choose your favorite parable and the one you liked least, the parable from this Sunday’s readings would probably be your least favorite. The first reading hints at the reason why because we are told that God does not think the way we think.

The parable is about a land owner who hires day laborers to work in his vineyard. Some are hired at the beginning of the work day and others throughout the day. The last ones are hired at the very end of the work day. When it comes time to pay the laborers, all receive the same amount. Is it surprising that those who worked all day expected more than those working the last hour of the work day?

To think comparatively might seem fine in this situation, but the parable is not about a literal vineyard. It is about those of us who work to make the Reign of God present in the here and now. The parable is about a spiritual reality. Our vineyard is the world we live in. We are to make God’s presence real here and now in the lives of all we meet as we strive to imitate how Jesus treated people.

This parable tells us what it will be like at the end of time when Jesus comes to judge the living and the dead. During our lifetime we are to use the gifts and talents we possess to make the world a better place. We are not all gifted in the same way, nor do we all have the same talents. God gives each one of us our talents without comparing them to what is given to another. God intends for us to work in the “vineyard” as we are at the core of our being.

The real message is that we are to continue God’s work to the best of our ability. Our payment will not be compared to the work of another person. God will reward each of us in God’s own way because we are told in the first reading that God does not think the way we think. We just believe in God’s love, mercy and generosity.

How can you accept all people as they are without comparisons or competition?

Do you believe you deserve a reward for any good that you do, or is your reward the joy and happiness you receive for doing the good? Pray and reflect on this.