25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mt 20:1-16a
September 24, 2023

I bet the ears of Catholic auto workers attending Mass this weekend perked right up during the Liturgy of the Word. As this parable unfolds, it certainly appears to be the makings of a major labor dispute that will most likely be resolved in favor of the workers. But this passage is definitely not something auto workers would want to take to the bargaining table next week as they continue to negotiate a new contract. The ending of our Gospel is not “pro-labor.”

No matter which side of the bargaining table your sentiments might lie, this little story just doesn’t sit well. This parable not only offends our sense of justice, but it also brings personal experiences to mind. From childhood on, there are times when our accomplishments or contributions are discounted or even ignored. Everyone has a memory of working hard on something, only to have someone else push us aside and “take a bow.”

On those occasions when we feel that we’ve been slighted, treated unfairly, or overlooked, whether in the workplace, at school, in the parish, or even at home with our family, it’s very difficult not to feel bitter.

However, this Gospel is about much, much more than perceived injustices we suffer in this life. This Gospel is about salvation.

In truth, no matter how many prayers we say, or Masses we participate at, or Holy Hours we make, or candles we light, or acts of charity we are credited with, no one is ENTITLED to a place at the heavenly banquet. We enter into Eternal Life and Light by invitation…not because we’ve purchased a ticket through acts of piety or numerous good works.

This is NOT to suggest that prayers, the Eucharist, or any devotions or Christian service are not important. We should worship God because it is right and just that we do just that…WORSHIP GOD. We SHOULD give our Creator glory and praise because that is God’s due. We should respond in charity to those in need, not to better our place in line at the Heavenly Gates, but because that is what The Lord asks of His disciples.

Just because we have been faithful or devout does not mean we are ENTITLED. To think that way is to apply an earthly sense of justice to spiritual matters, which is a tragic mistake that can lead to frustration, anger, and even hopelessness.

If we EXPECT some kind of special reward over and above a deeper and more intimate relationship with God just because we are doing what we should be doing…WORSHIPPING THE MOST HIGH…I think we are setting ourselves up for a serious disappointment.

A deeper and more intimate relationship with God is reward in and of itself, certainly something worth working towards, and definitely something to be very GRATEFUL for.

One of the many benefits to be had from a more intimate friendship with our Creator is that we come to understand that God’s ways are not our ways! Moreover, we come to a deeper appreciation for the wisdom behind Divine justice, whereby the last shall be first and the first shall be last.

Our Readings this week offer us a lens that helps those wise enough to use it to better see the world through the eyes of our Creator. God sees what each and every person needs, and, at the right time, provides for us. Moreover, everything God sends us is a pure and unearned gift. Ours is not to question the timing, or the amount, but rather to be grateful for what we are given.

If and when we are enlightened enough to appreciate that our thoughts tend to be self-centered and even selfish, whereas God’s thoughts are inspired by pure love and infinite generosity, we are pleased to find a place at the back of the line and patiently wait our turn. There, we will find ourselves in the best of company, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Saints!