Psalm 145:2-3.8—9.17-18, (Watch it here)
Philippians 1:20c-24.27,
Matthew 20: 1-16 Full Readings
Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasangn and Companions
God does not think like us
Brethren, how can we describe God? We cannot fully describe him because as humans we are limited in our descriptions of God. Even the wisest person on earth cannot describe Him, but what we can be sure of is that his thoughts are not like ours, his ways are not like ours and he cannot be compared with us nor with anything else. Brethren, if we are aware of this truth, there is no need of being envious of others for their gifts, their success, or because of getting more than us while we work harder than them. This truth should lead us to appreciate God for what we are, what we have, and for all the blessings we have rather than being envious of the success of others.
The first reading tells us that God’s ways are utterly different from human thinking. In many ways it is comforting to think that God is not like ourselves. One reason why we cling to God is to be liberated from ourselves and to be brought into his marvelous light, living a life freed from the restrictions, frustrations and self-centeredness that surrounds and penetrates us. Obviously God does not have our faults of selfishness, laziness, malice, lust and greed. More than that, not being bodily or limited in any way, God does not plan or think like ourselves. God does not think things out, with ‘Yes’ and ‘No’, working in concepts or sentences. God does not laboriously plan what to do, weighing consequences, advantages and disadvantages! Even our love is always tinged with self-interest and concern for ourselves. God’s love is entirely generous and out-going, a limitless cascade of love, deluging and penetrating each of us.
Today's Gospel would be interpreted as unfair in the present working situations and in the world where we are looking for fairness and justice in whatever we do. But with God, the pay is not based on length of the working hours but on grace. The questions of the land owner; have I not a right to do what I like with my own? Are you envious because I am Generous? best describes how God renders his justice and his love. God does whatever he wills and above all he needs everyone saved. And so anybody who comes to him is welcomed without any discrimination. That's why he says that a shepherd will leave ninety nine and goes to look for one and when he gets it, there is a party.
Brethren, God chooses to bless us the way he wants and even according to our needs. When he blesses your friend like you or even more than you, are you happy for his or her success or you become envious as some of the labourers we see in the Gospel today?
Jesus tells us that the first and last workers in the vineyard were paid the “daily wage.” So, too, the first and last into the Kingdom of heaven will receive the “daily wage,” which is eternal life. When we consider the parable in this light, our hearts, far from being burdened by jealousy, are set on fire to zealously invite other souls to the vineyard so that they, too, can receive this totally gratuitous and unwarranted gift of God. God's offer of eternal life is open to anyone who comes in at any time. His grace is ever there, and it is never too late to come to him and he welcomes you.
However, brethren, do not delay to come. This passage should not be our point of departure so that, knowing that God’s mercy is ever there waiting for us, we should wait and come to God at the last minute, we may miss Him or may find it's so much late. Isaiah in the first reading encourages us to seek the LORD while he may be found, to call him while he is near. It is always good to go early and meet God. Even those who go early will have more sweetness and taste of God than those who come late in the evening.
Brethren, since it is God who showers us his blessings according to the way he wants, let us live all our lives for God. St Paul in the second reading tells us that whether he lives or does Christ must be glorified in his body but even more to him, death will bring him more of glorifying Christ for he will be with him face to face. Let us then brethren take away from our lives all that is contrary to the gospel like envy, jealous and live for Christ alone. God will surely reward us.
Reflect today on your attitude towards other people’s success. Do you have jealousy and envy and sometimes fail even to bring others also to experience God? Are you aware of the fundamental truth that God's ways are not like our human ways? Pray for the Holy Spirit to always enlighten you with this truth and to give you a grateful heart for whatever you have. Let us always say to ourselves:
Blessed be God, who distributes gifts according to a purpose (see Romans 12:6). We can always trust God’s good judgment. Only when we are firmly grounded in the knowledge that we are loved by God can we truly rejoice at another’s good fortune. If we labor all day as faithful disciples in his vineyard, blessed be God. If we find our meaning and purpose in God later in life, blessed be God. Either way, our reward for a job well done far surpasses our human efforts. We will never deserve heaven. It is God’s free gift given to those who know, love, and serve him in this world.
Let us pray.
Give us grateful hearts O Lord so that we may always be satisfied with what we have while wishing others well and being happy for their success. Amen.
Be blessed
May God shower me with his graces
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