Reflection
for 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
(Is
55:6-9, Phil 1:20-24.27, Mt 20:1-16)
1.0. The
Unsatisfied Logic
“For my
thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, says the Lord.”
This message from Prophet Isaiah was exemplified in the parable of today. A
householder went out early in the morning and invited labourers to his vineyard.
He agreed with them for one denarius a day. Later in the day he invited other
labourers, even at one hour to the close of work. Surprisingly, he started
payment from the last comers, and paid them the same amount with the first
comers. Anyone reading the story with common sense would join the first labourers
to grumble: “These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to
us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.” What sort of
reasoning is this?
Ordinarily, we
grumble at the face of injustice. But the first labourers were paid their just
wages. Though the master’s logic surprises us, we could not accuse him of
injustice. Then the murmuring came from a mindset that is inclined to competition
and jealousy. Such common-sense-reasoning values what it has because others do not
have it. But Jesus presents to us a different kind of logic, rooted in
generosity and self-donation.
2.0. Discerning
the Common Sense
In the
parable, the householder had agreement for one denarius with the first
labourers only. The later labourers were invited based on his mercy and generosity. “You
go into my vineyard too, whatever is right I will give you.” While the first
worked based on the agreement, covenant or law of one denarius a day, the later
labourers relied on the man’s mercy and charity. His generosity became for them a
‘new' covenant or agreement, which is not based on any determinate financial
gain. Their response implies they abandoned themselves to his mercy! In other
words, they took the greater risk or, rather they made the greater commitment
to the householder. Hence, the later labourers
were given equally what is obtainable in agreement or law. Yes, the first labourers worked all day under the heat, but
for their own self determination and assured reward.
“Faithful love
and loyalty joined together, saving justice and peace embraced” (Ps 85:10). In God,
Justice and charity go together. Charity is built upon justice but goes beyond it.
“My friend...I choose to give to this last as I give to you. Am I not allowed
to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?”
Justice cannot be sustained without charity!
3.0. The
Divine Logic
Therefore, the
Divine logic is that of generosity and faithfulness. “Our God is merciful and just”
(Ps 116:5). This logic often challenges our common sense. But we participate in
it by committing ourselves to a life of charity—a life lived for others. This
is part of the message of the second reading. “My desire is to depart and be
with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more
necessary on your account...” (Phil 1:23-24). Like Paul who goes out to spread
the Gospel, we see the merciful and charitable householder going to search for
idle labourers and bring them to his vineyard. The thoughts and ways of God are
higher than ours. But we are invited to participate in this Divine logic.
Charity
upgrades us. Those labourers who responded to the merciful invitation shared in
the logic of the householder, and they received mercy’s reward. “Blessed are
the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them” (Mt 5:7). Living for others in
charity is a way we share in the Divine Logic and belong to Him in life or in
death. “Brethren: Christ will be honoured in my body, whether by life or by
death.” It is equally a way we progress and receive with satisfaction and joy
our daily ‘denarius.’
Fr
Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Mother
of Perpetual Help Shrine,
UgwogoNike,
Enugu, Nigeria.
24/9/2017
