Jesus tells us the parable today about the workers in the vineyard. When those who worked all day heard that the guys who work the last hour only got the same pay, they were angry ! When you look at this story from a purely human perspective we would agree that it didn’t seem fair or just. Whoever works more should receive more.
We tend to forget, however, that in terms of the spiritual, everything is a gift. There is nothing in our nature that can demand grace. Rather God’s generosity is a manifestation of his love for each one of us. He gives that grace fully and equally to each one of us.
It’s so easy for us to look at what others have and make a comparison to what we have. When we notice someone who seems to have more than we have, jealousy can creep in. Instead of thanking God for what we have, we focus on what someone else has and we complain. We need to stop all of that and see ourselves as God sees us. We need to stop grumbling against God and start thanking him for the ways he has blessed us. Jesus asks us; “are we envious because God is generous?” Today let us decide to trade grumbling for gratitude.
St. Joseph, pray for us !
DeColores, Deacon Doug
