As we look at the bible readings for the 25th Sunday of Ordinary time (September 18th) we may find ourselves a bit resentful on hearing the gospel. Mt. 20:1-16 tells parable of the workers in the vineyard. Wages are paid in reverse order: those who did the least work get paid just as much as those who bore the heat of the sun all day.
Who would not feel resentful? Doesn't justice demand that those who did the most work get the most pay?
Let's reflect for a moment. We may find that our attitude falls short of Paul's in Phil 1:20-24. Paul is so much in tune that he does not care whether he lives or dies. He simply wants to be of service.
If our attitudes were in tune we would realize that there is great rejoicing over the rescue, even in the last minute, of one who was lost and doomed. We would be grateful for the opportunity to do a day's work. (As Barbara Reid observes, those who started late would have worked in the morning - if they had found someone to hire them. Those who worked all day at least had the satisfaction of knowing that they could provide for their families.) Were we in tune, we would recognize in our hearts that our work does not of itself earn our reward. Instead it is through grace that we are rescued and able to do a day's work
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