Twenty Fifth Sunday of the Year (Year A)

Twenty Fifth Sunday of the Year September 24, 2023

Isaiah 55:6-9   Philippians 1:20-24.27   Matthew 20:1-16

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Growing up in a large, traditional, farming family has its advantages. When the crop is ready for harvest, the whole family is out in the field working together. They do not work at the same pace. Dad and big brother would be in the field very early while little sister is still asleep. Mom and little sister would join them in the farm later. You see, dad and big brother go to work without breakfast but little sister would not go anywhere without breakfast. When she finally arrives in the farm she is more interested in asking silly questions and distracting the workers than in the work itself. At the end of the day all go home happy together. Supper is prepared and served. Does anyone suggest that you eat as much as you have worked? Not at all! Often the same little sister who did the least work is pampered with the best food. Yet no one complains, no one is jealous, and everyone is happy.

Today’s Gospel presents us with a parable that demonstrates to us the difference between our spontaneous judgments and God’s ways. In the first reading we hear Isaiah reminding us that, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” We are invited to think the way God expects us to think. If we do more, like the early labourers in the vineyard, our natural reaction is to claim more for ourselves than the latecomers who do less. The parable reminds us that service in God’s vineyard is selfless. It is God’s will and wisdom to save all who want to work, and that should also be our intention.

Matthew probably addressed this parable to his fellow Jewish Christians. God called them a long time ago to build the kingdom of God. Now, at an apparently late hour, God was calling the Gentiles to work with them in building up the same divine kingdom. It would be wrong for the early-bird Jewish people to see the Johnny-come-lately Gentiles as deserving of a lower status than themselves “who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat” (verse 12). Probably the problem of Matthew's Jewish audience was their difficulty in seeing that God was intent on building, in Christ, a kingdom where all peoples -- Jews and Gentiles -- would be family.

At first glance, this may seem unfair to us, just as it seemed unfair to the labourers who worked all day. They expected to receive more than those who had worked only a short time. But the landowner responds with a question that reveals a profound spiritual truth: "Are you envious because I am generous?"

This parable reminds us of the generosity of God's grace. God's grace is not something that can be earned or measured in human terms. It is freely given to all who turn to Him, regardless of their past or present circumstances. God's grace is not about fairness or deserving; it is about His boundless love and mercy.

Some lesson we could draw from today’s gospel:

1. God's Grace is Abundant: Just as the landowner paid all the labourers the same wage, God's grace is abundant and available to all who seek it. It doesn't matter when we come to Him; His grace is always sufficient.

2. Avoiding Envy and Comparison: The labourers who worked all day were envious of those who worked less but received the same wage. In our lives, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and feeling envious. God's grace is given to each of us according to His divine plan, not based on our human judgments.

3. Embrace God's Generosity: Instead of questioning God's generosity, we should be grateful for it. We should rejoice in the knowledge that His grace is available to everyone, regardless of their past mistakes or the time they come to Him.

4. Respond with Gratitude: When we recognize the depth of God's generosity, our natural response should be gratitude. We should thank Him for His grace and strive to live our lives in a way that reflects His love and mercy to others.

Today let us reflect the limitless generosity of God's grace. Let us strive to avoid envy and comparison, embrace His abundant love, and respond with hearts full of gratitude. May we always remember that God's grace is available to each of us, inviting us to enter His vineyard and labour for His kingdom.

Happy Sunday