Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16a
Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.
So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’
When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage. So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’ He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you.
Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
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Reflection:
The story is told about a woman who was envious of her wealthy neighbor. She would frequently complain to God about why they were rich while they were not. She thought that God was being unfair to her and her family. One night, she had a dream, and in that dream, God said to her: 'You only measure the blessings I bestow upon you by the money and possessions you have and see.
God further said to her, 'Yes, you are not blessed materially, but look at your very successful and well-brought-up children. Look at your loving husband who has been faithful to you since day one of your married life. Look at your health; nobody among your family members has been to a hospital for health issues.' Suddenly, the woman had a realization that she was far more blessed by God than her neighbor.
The workers in the vineyard who worked early complained about the unfair payment of their wages, which is money! They failed to realize that they were assured of the day’s work by the landowner early that morning. And surely, this already guaranteed that they had something to feed their families for the coming days. Unlike those who came in late, who were not assured of anything to feed their families until late in the afternoon.
When we account for the blessings that God gives us, let us not solely focus on money or any material wealth, as this might lead to complaints. Instead, let us have a holistic appreciation of God’s blessings, such as peace and good health within the family, faithfulness and tranquility in married life, and many more blessings that cannot be measured by any amount of money.
Often, God’s blessings upon us are hidden beyond the glitters of material wealth and money. But if we are sensitive to the Lord’s goodness, we would be able to discern them.
Aside from material wealth are you aware of the many blessings that God has given you? – Marino J. Dasmarinas
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