Our gospel today is the well-known parable of the workers in the vineyard, who each receive a full day’s pay even though some worked only an hour. The parable is unique to Matthew’s Gospel and sounds surprisingly contemporary in its description of the plight of day laborers –then and now. There are, however, two important aspects of the story we need to keep in mind as we reflect on this passage.
First, this is a parable. We must remember that Jesus’ parables are prophetic and demanding. They call us to conversion and humility. They draw us in, softly and with subtlety. Then, they confront us with revelation. Jesus’ parables point to the Kingdom of God—and today are intended to break through our deafness and our hardness of heart.
Second, the story needs to be understood against the background of the early Christians. Those who have worked long hours in the vineyard are the Jewish people. The late arrivals, those who have come at the 11th hour, are the new Christians, many of them Gentiles of pagan origin.
This parable and all of Jesus’ parables remind us of what we discern from the first reading—God’s ways are not ours. God’s thoughts are not ours. Isaiah tells us that God’s ways will challenge us—always. Then, Paul teaches us that we can learn God’s ways; we can live in Christ. And, the gospel parable invites us to admit that our automatic responses are often egocentric—“it’s not fair.” This is not justice!!
However, justice is the whole point of the parable and of Jesus’ teaching. All are invited to the table of the Lord and to salvation–all, no exceptions. If we have problems with the parable, and I am sure most of us do, it means that we are not yet on Jesus’ wavelength. And, this should not surprise us. It was true of the Israelites, it was true of the early Christians, AND it is true of each of us.
The Prophet Isaiah tells us “seek the Lord while he is still to be found, call to him while he is still near.” Paul, while in prison, writes to the community of Philippi in northern Greece. He is talking about the relative merits of living and dying. He expresses his conviction that he is truly part of Christ. This means he has begun to experience God’s own ways. There is hope—we can learn God’s ways. And, it means that it is not only possible, but essential for everyone, you and me included, to learn God’s ways if we are to live the vocation of Christianity.
That vocation begins with the grace of being invited to learn God’s ways, a grace as undeserved as it is unanticipated.We are the workers last called and overwhelmingly rewarded. All together, these readings are an introduction to God’s way of seeing. But only an introduction, for we are called not only to see as God sees, but to live as disciples of his son Jesus. Our payment is God’s mercy, forgiveness, grace and salvation. BUT, there is work involved!
Today is Catechetical Sunday throughout the United States. Our Bishops have selected as this year’s theme “Teaching About God’s Gift of Forgiveness.” Now, you might think, “isn’t this nice for the kids to have CCD classes” (as it was called in our youth). Well, it is nice and we are blessed here at St Hubert’s to have a committed group of people who are leading our classes (they will be blessed and commissioned at the 10:30am Mass).
BUT, each of us is called by virtue of our baptism to be catechists—called to proclaim the Good News, to bring all people in communion with Jesus Christ, for handing on the faith, for seeing as God sees,
Pope Francis says we need a Church unafraid of going out and meeting people where they are; we need a Church capable of entering into a conversation with those who have left the Church; we need a Church who can reach out to those wandering aimlessly, alone, incapable of generating meaning in their lives. To do this, the Pope says, requires mercy and forgiveness. This is his understanding of the New Evangelization.
If we are to be Church, if we are to be disciples in action, then we need to grow in our faith (to know of God’s ways; to see as God sees) just as the children of this faith community will grow. How do we go about teaching our grandchildren, young people about “God’s Gift of Forgiveness” if we are ourselves are not growing in our faith?? So, take a moment now and ask yourselves these questions:
-do I have a prayer life?
-do I go to Mass out of obligation or to be nurtured?
-can I forgive myself? Can I forgive others?
-am I doing works of justice, helping the poor and marginalized?
-am I growing in my faith life?
-am I willing to share my faith with others?
To be a disciple of Jesus, to begin to know God’s ways, to see as God sees; to forgive as God forgives is the work of a lifetime. Begin anew today and be the greatest catechist you can be at all times!!!