Tag: #laborers

In today’s gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard. There is quite a bit packed into this brief parable and lot of what it contains makes me a bit uncomfortable.

You see, I am an early riser and consider myself more of a morning person, although my husband might disagree because I don’t like to talk first thing in the morning. I like the morning silence, the unbroken quiet, as I enjoy my first cup of coffee. That is probably why I so enjoy my morning walks with the dogs. They don’t talk. Please don’t initiate a conversation with me until I have had my coffee and a shower. I do some of best work once those things have occurred.

I am also early for everything. And when I say early, I mean early. Not 10 or 15 minutes early, I‘m talking at least half an hour early or more. It’s just who I am. The thought of being late or even on-time makes me physically uncomfortable. I will arrive early for any appointment, meeting, service, event, etc. So, yes, I arrive early for everything. In fact, anybody who knows me well knows that I despise tardiness. I rigidly adhere to schedules and timelines. That can be good and bad (we can talk about that another time). My point is that I would have been one of the workers in the field bright and early – out at dawn to be hired.

So here is where I get a bit uncomfortable. This is because I would also be one to grumble and complain when, at the end of the day, the wages received didn’t reflect the work performed. Why? Because I would have worked all day. I completely understand the view point of the workers who labored all day and received no more than those who labored for only an hour. I’ve worked for 8 or 10 or 12 hours and make the same wage as the man who worked for hour. What?!? Where is the equity in the division of labor? Where is the justice? Shouldn’t I make more money because I worked more hours? I understand their outrage at the distribution of wages. I totally comprehend why the laborers question the land owner.

But, I also understand the land owner’s response to the workers. He is upholding his agreement with each worker, regardless of the hour at which they were hired. He can choose how he shares his wealth, how much and with whom. But, I also understand that he is simply generous, and for that reason alone some are angry. Maybe they don’t think his “generosity” is fair and equitable. Which leads me to wonder, how can you be angered by someone’s generosity?

But what is most beautiful about this gospel is that it is a parable and it represents faith, forgiveness and the kingdom of heaven. I think Fr. Ed said it beautifully in his homily, it doesn’t matter when you have your conversion, God shares everything equally. No matter how late in the day you come to the vineyard, you will receive an equal reward with those who have been faithful the longest. Wow! No matter how late!

This is fantastic news because it has taken me a long time to even find to vineyard, let alone enter it and begin to work. In fact, I am still finding my way through the vineyard and I become idle from time to time. But that is the beauty of all of it.

God doesn’t care when we find the vineyard, just that we enter the vineyard, that we open ourselves up to Him, to a relationship with Him. That is the mercy and generosity of God. It is far more that any of us deserve, but He gives it out without discrimination because of His unfathomable love for us. All He asks is that we make the decision to join Him in His vineyard.

Again, God lets us decide. He doesn’t force us or order us; He is patient with us, gentle with us. He lets us decide how and when. And even if its very late in our life’s journey, He doesn’t get angry or upset, and He doesn’t hold it against us. He welcomes us with open arms and a lavishes upon us the same love, forgiveness, and mercy that He does to those who have served Him for much longer. He is generous and gives so much more than we deserve.

Today, realize that it is never too late to enjoy God’s generosity. I hope you take a step into the vineyard. It is your decision. But if today is not the day, then maybe tomorrow, or the next. God is patient. Whenever you decide, God will be waiting. Please pray for me and I will continue to pray for you.