Today’s gospel reading was from Matthew chapter 20 (1-16). The Workers in the Vineyard. You likely know the story but for those who do not… The landowner goes out and finds people to work in his vineyard throughout the day. At the end of the day he pays them all the same.
This is often interpreted as a story telling the reader that anyone can accept Christ at any time in their lives and as a result receive His eternal reward. Although this is the truth, the part that I find interesting is the workers that the landowner hires first grumble about those who come last getting the same pay.
Why is it that as human beings we constantly compare what we do with what others do?
In the case of being paid by the landowner does it really matter as long as you are treated fairly?
I find myself often trying to have the most. I don’t think this makes me happy. It’s being recognized for doing a good job that usually makes me feel the best. The landowner paid each what he thought was fair for their good work.
In terms of the parable and Christ’s love… Will we grumble when someone finds God when they are near death? Is God welcoming them somehow not fair to us when we have loved Him our whole lives? Do we think there is a quota for Christ’s love? That there will not be enough to go around?
I think the answer is be true to you. Compare yourself to yourself and don’t judge others or their situation.
GVW4U 