Daily Readings - Wed Aug 21 2019
Matthew
1"The kingdom of heaven is like the father of a family who went out in early morning to lead workers into his vineyard2Then, having made an agreement with the workers for one denarius per day, he sent them into his vineyard3And going out about the third hour, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace4And he said to them, ‘You may go into my vineyard, too, and what I will give you will be just.5So they went forth. But again, he went out about the sixth, and about the ninth hour, and he acted similarly6Yet truly, about the eleventh hour, he went out and found others standing, and he said to them, ‘Why have you stood here idle all day?7They say to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also may go into my vineyard.8And when evening had arrived, the lord of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning from the last, even to the first.9And so, when those who had arrived about the eleventh hour came forward, each received a single denarius10Then when the first ones also came forward, they considered that they would receive more. But they, too, received one denarius11And upon receiving it, they murmured against the father of the family12saying, ‘These last have worked for one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who worked bearing the weight and heat of the day.13But responding to one of them, he said: ‘Friend, I caused you no injury. Did you not agree with me to one denarius14Take what is yours and go. But it is my will to give to this last, just as to you15And is it not lawful for me to do what I will? Or is your eye wicked because I am good?16So then, the last shall be first, and the first shall be last. For many are called, but few are chosen.
Sermon
In today’s Gospel, Jesus shares the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, a story that challenges our understanding of fairness and reward. A landowner hires workers at various times throughout the day, from early morning to the eleventh hour, promising each the same wage of one denarius. When evening comes, he pays all workers equally, regardless of how long they worked. This act of generosity sparks grumbling among those who toiled the longest, feeling they deserve more. The landowner’s response emphasizes his right to generosity, reminding them that he caused no injustice and that his goodness should not be resented.
This parable, set in the context of Jesus’ teachings on the kingdom of heaven, invites us to reflect on God’s grace and mercy. It highlights that the kingdom is not about earning rewards but receiving them through God’s generosity. The workers who worked longer symbolize those who may feel they have earned their place, while the latecomers represent those who come to faith later, yet still receive the same gift of eternal life. This challenges our tendency to compare ourselves to others and reminds us that God’s ways are beyond human understanding.
As we apply this to our lives, we are called to embrace humility and gratitude. Let us not judge others based on their journey but trust in God’s justice and love. The parable teaches us to avoid envy and resentment, focusing instead on our own relationship with God. It reminds us that everyone is called, but few choose to follow, urging us to remain faithful and open to God’s generous heart. May we accept His grace with humility and rejoice in His goodness, knowing that in His eyes, the last shall be first.