Gospel 

Mt 20:1-16

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."

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel passage presents us with a powerful parable about the Kingdom of heaven. Jesus tells the story of a landowner who hires laborers at different times of the day, yet pays them all the same wage. This parable challenges our understanding of fairness, generosity, and the nature of God's kingdom.

The laborers who were hired first expected to receive more pay because they worked longer hours. But the landowner's response is surprising: "I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?" The landowner is not obligated to pay more than what was agreed upon. Yet, he chooses to be generous and pay all the laborers the same wage, regardless of how long they worked.

This parable reveals the generosity of God, who desires to bless all people equally, regardless of their background or circumstances. God's kingdom is not about earning rewards based on our efforts, but about receiving gifts based on God's grace.

The parable also warns us against envy and comparison. The laborers who were hired first became envious because they thought they deserved more. But the landowner's generosity is not diminished by their envy. Instead, it highlights the foolishness of comparing ourselves to others.

As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves: Are we envious of others' blessings? Do we compare ourselves to others, thinking we deserve more? Or do we trust in God's generosity and grace?

May we embrace the generosity of God, who desires to bless us all equally, and may we rejoice in the blessings of others, knowing that God's kingdom is big enough for everyone.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Almighty, merciful and loving God,

We thank you for the powerful parable of the landowner and the laborers. Help us to understand the generosity of your kingdom, where all people are blessed equally, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Forgive us for times when we have compared ourselves to others, thinking we deserve more. Help us to trust in your grace and generosity, rather than our own efforts.

May we rejoice in the blessings of others, knowing that your kingdom is big enough for everyone. Help us to see the foolishness of envy and comparison, and may we instead embrace your generosity with gratitude.

We pray for a heart of trust and surrender, knowing that you desire to bless us all equally. May we reflect your generosity to others, and may your kingdom be revealed in our lives.

In Jesus' most holy name we pray, Amen.

+ In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ