Father, today's reading is a tough pill to swallow because at the end of the reading I would still be saying to myself, "Hmmm, still seems pretty unfair to me." Then I realized that the landowner was indeed generous, just as he stated.

Back in Jesus' times laborers had to stand around in the marketplace and wait to be hired. If they didn't work, then they didn't eat, nor did their family. The landowner probably knew that those who were still not hired later in the day probably would not be eating that day and neither would their family. So yes, he was generous and he certainly did not care what an envious or jealous man thought of him. He would do with his money as he pleased and did not need to explain himself to envious and jealous people.

Thank You Father. Thank You for sticking with me while I did my best to understand this reading. I almost gave up on it and then relaxed and let You speak to me about it. Thank You so much!

This reading also serves as a gentle reminder to ask myself, "Who do I think I am and where is my envy or jealousy coming from?" I need to remember that I am Your child and You Love us all whether we are male or female . . straight or gay . . black or white . . young or old . . progressive or conservative . . rich or poor . . Christian or Jewish . . loud or quiet . . none of that matters to You. We are equal and have every right to work, just as the next person. You Love us all equally regardless of our level of intelligence, appearance or emotional responses. You just Love us all. Thank You for this awareness as I strive to be more Loving, accepting and tolerant of all people, including those who show up to work, long after I have been 'in the business'.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matthew 20:1-16

1 "The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard.

2 After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard.

3 Going out about nine o'clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

4 and he said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.'

5 So they went off. (And) he went out again around noon, and around three o'clock, and did likewise.

6 Going out about five o'clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?'

7 They answered, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard.'

8 When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.'

9 When those who had started about five o'clock came, each received the usual daily wage.

10 So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage.

11 And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner,

12 saying, 'These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day's burden and the heat.'

13 He said to one of them in reply, 'My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?

14 Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?

15 (Or) am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?'

16 Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last."

The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ

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