Today’s readings are interesting and challenging. God simply does not think like we do and trying to wrap our human brains around what God does is sometimes beyond our comprehension. God’s ways are not ours. It is true. Yet as the psalmist sings God’s compassion is over all.
Sometimes life is not fair from our perspective. The Gospel reading is about paying all the workers the same wage, despite some having worked the entire day and some having worked only an hour. The workers were angry with the owner because he was generous. The old saying the first shall be last and the last first is a painful lesson most days.
I love this Gospel reading though because it helped me in my work place. I work extremely hard and get paid less than most of the other staff as I am not a teacher. I take on new tasks and I step up when asked to participate. I began to gripe interiorly about this and question what the heck I was doing when this reading presented itself to me. Ah, perhaps, I just needed to do my job and not worry about those who are not half as motivated as me. I am responsible for my time, talent and treasure. Others can hide it under a bushel or take advantage of the situation. They deal with their own consciences. I must face my own. Who knows why those workers were not the first to go and work? What remains is that I focus on my business and not theirs.
Another reason this has been on my mind today is that tomorrow a friend is undergoing major surgery for the second time in her life. She is scared—and rightfully so. God’s way is not our way. Those who work in the field all day are treated as the others who come to the Kingdom late. God does not play favourites. God has some plan that we do not see fully. The point is in the second reading today: Live your life in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Are you envious because God is generous to others? If so, maybe it is time to think outside the box and see with eyes more like God’s.
How are you choosing to live today?
Peace,
Suzanne
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