September 24, 2017 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time-A

Isaiah 55:6-9

Psalm 145

Philippians 1:20-24

Matthew 20:1-16

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. 

Is. 55:8

“You too go into my vineyard and I will give you what is just.”  Mt. 20:4

Lord, from a very young age we are taught about fairness.  We learn what is right and what is wrong.  The hard workers in your parable were sure that giving the later-comers the same wage as they received was unfair and not right.  I can understand their grievance.  The Master’s sense of justice included generosity, love, mercy and compassion.  He didn’t see lazy men on the street corner at 5 o’clock.  He saw men who had families to feed.  The last hired made little contribution to the harvest yet they too had hungry children at home.  Thank you, Lord, for not giving me only what I deserve or have earned.  You see my needs first and fill me up abundantly.  Dear Jesus, help me to have the same sense of justice and fairness of the vineyard owner.  Form me today so that I may ensure no one is left behind or not cared for.  May my ways become more like your ways.  Amen.