Our picture of God is influenced to some extent
by our ordinary way of looking at things and
that is why, as we listen to this Gospel, we are
tempted to react and share the grumble of the
workers
morning.  In human terms it seems a bit unfair
–
we miss the point of the story!

The parable is not dealing with equal rights for all, or an honest
day’s work for an honest day’s
generosity of God in throwing open the doors of the Kingdom of
Heaven to Gentiles and sinners on equal footing with the Jews.  For
their part the Jews resented what was happening and envied the
good fortune of these “late arrivals.”

This Gospel fills us with an inspiring image  of a generous, gracious
and forgiving God whose love for us has not bounds and whose
mercy extends both to those who have labored all their lives in His
service and to those who have broken faith but turn to Him in their
dying hour.  Before the Almighty we all stand like beggars and can
never boast that we have earned our salvation.  Everything we have
is a free gift of His love and mercy.  Friends, we cannot explain His
generosity, but one thing

May God give us the gift of understanding!
Fr. Hilary