25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
I am convinced that there is something in the DNA of my family that believes that one parent loves the other child more. They love each other and get along well, but occasionally, this concept rears its ugly head, as it has this week. FYI, it is not my side of the family that has the issue!
Today’s gospel reading is one of those passages that most find unfair and may even get angry about. Why? It is opposed to what society teaches, practices, and believes. I am sure many relate based on situations experienced in the workplace, specifically when it comes to promotions and pay. The reality is that these beliefs are deeply embedded in all aspects of our lives.
The gospel passage is not about a vineyard or the perceived unfair wages. It is about a landowner (God the Father) and how he sees humankind, his beautiful creation whom he sees as one, all deserving of his love, mercy, and forgiveness. We ask ourselves, why is this a struggle? What inequalities do we experience in our homes, workplaces, and even our faith communities that we turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to?
The answer is in the first reading, with the Prophet Isaiah commanding us to seek the Lord, call on him, and not impose our human standards on him. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. We seek and call on him to place our trust in him, receiving the generosity of his mercy and forgiveness.
When we gather for the Eucharist, we are of one mind, one body in Jesus Christ — sent forth in the words of Saint Paul to the Philippians to conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Prayer:
The Lord is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. The Lord is near to all who call – upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. Amen. (Psalm 145:17-18a)
