Reflection on Today’s Gospel Mt 20:1-16A
God invites some people to his vineyard not only at eleven o'clock, but at five to twelve. In this way, the good thief was invited to the Lord's vineyard, the Lord Jesus called him in the last hour of his life.
In the parables of the workers in the vineyard, the Lord Jesus tells us two truths in particular. First of all, God certainly appreciates our good deeds, but after all, he is concerned only about ourselves. Regardless of the shape of my life so far, God wants me to become His friend and not be afraid to trust Him. Therefore, the good thief has certainly won his life, and someone who walks God's way all his life, but can lose at the entrance to the port.
And a second truth that emerges clearly from the parable of the workers in the vineyard: None of us can think about ourselves that is better than about others. This mistake was made by the workers who had been working in the vineyard from the very morning. Well, if any of us is lucky enough to serve God from his youth and keep God's commandments, let him thank God, but for this reason, let him not consider himself better than others - even from those who may have gone far from God and disregard his commandments. Rather, let us pray for these people that they may find God and love Him in at least five to twelve.
Let us consider again what idleness is in the light of today's Gospel. The owner of the vineyard, when he came to the market square at the end of the day and saw people standing there idle, asked them, "Why are you so idle all day?" Idlers are those who do not work in the vineyard. Even if I was a very busy man and humanly achieved a lot in life - but if it is not ultimately directed towards God and eternal life - then I am an idle person.
So, idleness in the light of this parable is not so much laziness and inactivity, but such arranging my life that it does not bring me closer to eternal life.
Our logic is often not God's logic. Sometimes it is irrational for us, other times it is so simple in its logic that we do not believe that it can be done in such a simple way. Man, always has a "but" that can destroy God's simple plan. When we don't understand why this happens and not otherwise, that's when you have to trust. It's so simple to think, but not often done.
Jesus, through his word and deed, brought peace, which was manifested by external behavior. Through his parables, he revealed to people the truths about themselves. They changed their lives through reflection. In this way, the good news spread throughout the world, which changed the face of the earth. By changing the heart of every person, you can change for the better what is around us.
One more reflection
God is not fair. In any case, it is not fair in human terms. For us, fairness means getting paid in proportion to the work done. For God, justice is equal pay. Where does this discrepancy come from? We value man in proportion to what he gives us. God values man because of his existence. For us, the existence of another human being has value when something results from this existence. For God, the existence of each of us is in itself a priceless value. In today's Gospel, employment in a vineyard means accepting Love as your way of life. Whoever has done it has done EVERYTHING and "earned" the highest wage.
Until Tomorrow
fr. george