Understanding His Generosity
Saturday 19th September 2020
We have ordinary ways of looking at things that when we listen to this gospel, Matthew 20:1-16, we are tempted to react and share the grumble of the workers who have laboured since early morning. It seems a bit unfair that after slaving all day in the hot sun they got the same pay for their efforts as those who were taken late. The parable is not dealing with equal rights for all or an honest day's work for pay. Its main emphasis is to show the generosity of God opening the doors of the kingdom of heaven to gentiles and sinners.
Entry into heaven sooner or later regardless of the date and time, makes no difference because it is given to all who do the will of God. This gospel fills us with an inspiring image of a generous, gracious and forgiving God whose love for us has no bounds. His mercy extends both to those who have laboured all their lives in their service and to those who have broken faith but turn to Him in their dying hour. Before Him, we all stand like beggars and can never boast that we have earned our salvation. Everything we have is a free gift of His love and mercy. We cannot explain his generosity but certainly God's ways are not our ways.
Stay healthy and safe.
Fr. Arsenio