“Are you envious because I am generous? (Matthew 21:16)
Today’s gospel parable from Jesus definitely elicits a strong reaction not just from those who had worked hard all day in the vineyard but also from most of us.
Anyone who has either worked or even volunteered in service of others can relate to a sense of “fairness” in how we look at being rewarded for our labors in relation to others.
And it happens at home too…just think back to when you had to clean the house or weed the garden or paint the porch and one of your family members showed up conveniently late!
What today’s gospel points out very clearly is the perspective of the landowner who represents God.
We heard Jesus begin by saying, The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn, at nine, noon, three and five o’clock and invites each group to come and work in his vineyard.
God's Invitation is Ongoing
God is constantly inviting people to come and work in His vineyard. Some people encounter God and say “yes” to Him at different times in their lives as represented by the hours in the day.
What is clear is that those who met the landowner at dawn, though they had to work all day for the same wage as those who worked less, they had the peace in knowing first thing in the day that they would receive a fair day’s wage.
Those of us who are “cradle Catholics” may overlook this blessing and perhaps see people who have come to the faith later as having had their “fun” and now later in life getting in on salvation without “paying” their dues.
The reality is that whatever enjoyment or “pseudo-freedom” people may have experienced was short-lived and/or illusory.
The peace that we all crave is found in knowing, loving, and serving God throughout the entirety of our lives.
Yes, there is work and sacrifice in tending the vineyard of our souls and in giving of ourselves to our family members, friends, and all those that God puts in our lives, but God always provides us a sense of fulfillment, peace, and joy in serving Him, even if we have to wait until the end of the “day” to receive it.
My brothers and sisters, today is a good day to ask ourselves: Who am I most like in this parable? The generous landowner, the grateful worker hired late in the day, or the unhappy worker hired in the morning. And how can I become less envious and more generous toward my family, friends, and neighbors?
God Blesses Us
Venerable Patrick Peyton’s famous saying: “The family that prays together stays together” reflects his core belief that God generously pours out His blessings upon families that pray together, especially the Rosary, where we turn to our Blessed Mother for her intercession.
Today, try to make time to gather as many of your family together, to pray to be grateful, joyful workers in the Lord’s vineyard. The Rosary keeps us grounded through its prayers and Mysteries; be generous and make the time to pray it with and for your loved ones.
May God bless you and your families this holy day with the faith of St. Bernard who said, “Jesus is the honey in the mouth, music in the ear, and a shout of joy in the heart.”
- Today’s Readings
Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday–Friday. Consider inviting others to join, too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
