Daily Readings - Wed Aug 21 2019
Matthew
1"For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.2After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.3And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace,4and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.'5So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same.6And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?'7They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.'8And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.'9And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius.10Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius.11And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house,12saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.'13But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?14Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you.15Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?'16So the last will be first, and the first last."
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.