GOD IS GENEROUS, NEVER UNFAIR

 

GOD IS GENEROUS, NEVER UNFAIR

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a moving, intriguing, and provoking story about the vineyard owner who hired laborers at different times. To the surprise of those who were hired first, they received the same wage as those hired late in the day. They expected that since they worked relatively longer, they would receive higher wages. But they did not, and so they complained. The owner claimed he did not shortchange them. He gave them a wage according to their agreement.

The point of the parable is to make us accountable for everything God has given us. He has been generous to all of us. He gave us gifts in terms of time, talent, and treasure. God does not compare us with others, in the sense that we are not measured against each other. It will be unfair for us to be measured with Saints Francis, Anthony, Therese, etc. In terms of accountability, to each his own. God will not expect us to accomplish things beyond our capacities.

Comparison subjects us to a lot of complexities. There is always somebody below or above us. God wants us to avoid that. He is fair to us based on what we were given. This does not mean that we are not connected with each other. We are all complimentary. But measuring ourselves against others is a great mistake. Just like in the parable, we will be tempted to cry “unfair.”

On another level, the invitation to work was an invitation to repent and gain the Kingdom. Our wish is that all respond to God’s invitation to repentance at the same time and with alacrity. For God, what is important is to go back to Him. Salvation is not partial. Salvation is always full. On our part, we must appreciate it rather than cry “unfair!” We must do so not because we will also benefit from it but it is God’s nature.

Let us call to mind the father’s response to the elder son who complained about his father’s warm welcome to his prodigal brother: “My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found”(Luke 15:31-32). Such is our God! Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTIONS ----------

Do you tend to compare yourself with others? What does today’s Gospel tell you?

You are a just God, Lord, and I have no right to complain. You have blessed me more than I deserve. Amen.

Today, I pray for: _________________________