25th Sunday of the Year (A)

(Edited) Sunday reflections: (From) Years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

September 21, 2014
Liturgical readings
Isaiah 55:6-9
Psalm 145
Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a
Matthew 20:1-16

"You go to the vineyard too."

Another parable from Jesus: The Laborers in the Vineyard. In this parable, the Lord describes the Reign of God like the owner of a vineyard, who hires laborers at different hours of a day. This vineyard-owner continued to hire even up to the last hour of the day. When the day ended, the owner of the vineyard called everyone and paid each group of laborers the same wage - without counting the number of hours each group had worked. Those who worked more hours naturally complained. But the vineyard-owner explained to the group who was hired early in the work day, that it was what they had agreed upon. His business involved not only the number of work hours, but also generosity.

God's ways and His justice are beyond human understanding. Many who are working often think in terms of numbers alone, but God thinks foremost in terms of generosity - and not on the specifics. Even in biblical times, the Jews also think in terms of a strict justice system (this explains the legalism in their religious structure). The parable Jesus presented emphasizes a value greater than that - in terms of His wisdom and generosity. Workers often think of themselves, and compare what they have with others. But God thinks of the whole picture - a vision much greater than each worker's limited human capacity to know. As many spiritual writers and masters have always written: the mystery of God's ways is really beyond all ways. His wisdom and generosity is hidden in a cloud of mystery; but He remains close to all the faithful in His Word and Sacrament.

Modern bible scholars and theologians also teach about God's justice as being qualified by His mercy. This is evidently seen in this Sunday's parable. When God calls each of us personally to His vineyard, some respond early in life, while others respond late in life. The parable should not be the basis to judge who is better. What matters is that we respond when God calls us, saying: "You go to the vineyard too". And we do our part to labor and build His Kingdom on earth. Whatever we receive as a result of our labors, is uniquely meant for each and every one of us - just the right amount needed for each one's salvation and just enough blessings needed to contribute well for the common good and the greater good.

Scripture quote:
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts." (Isaiah 55)