RBWords

     These words of Jesus appeared at the end of yesterday's gospel scripture as well.  There we learned that expectations arising from material wealth might be an obstacle to the kingdom!  Today we learn that God will not be governed by OUR notions of "fairness."  The story of the laborers in the vineyard who are hired at different points in the day has an initial appeal to our "gut sense" of fairness:  more pay for more work!  We learn that God does not see it that way.  We cannot increase our importance in God's sight by claiming to have worked harder than someone else!  Thus money and labor are not God's criteria.  In the world of the disciples (and in our world, too) Jesus' teaching turns everything upside down!

     If we recall the Canaanite woman in last Sunday's gospel scripture, we see that Jesus admits gentiles to the kingdom!  What matters is faith and taking responsibility for that faith. The disciples claimed to have faith, but they were prepared to drive away that Canaanite woman!  The rich young man had faith but was unwilling to let go of his material possessions for something much more valuable:  eternal life.  The laborers in the vineyard who were hired at the beginning of the day forgot that they had reached an agreement for the "usual daily wage."  They, and we, learn that we are all equal in God's sight and we cannot criticize God for unfairness or lack of generosity.  Our original state was idleness and unemployment!!!!   When God calls, our duty is to be faithful and responsible:  feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty......   AMEN