Laborers

In Matthew 20 we hear one of Jesus’ parables that both challenges us and brings us joy. Jesus tells of a landowner who goes to the marketplace to get laborers for the vineyard, and keeps hiring workers throughout the day. The last one hired receives as much as the first one, which causes some consternation. Does this sound fair?

Jesus’ parable challenges our views of fairness and being deserving. It also brings joy because we get a chance to see how wide and broad God’s generous care is. If God wants each laborer to have enough, why would that bother us? Yet sometimes we still feel bothered, don’t we?

In this day when so many of us rely on laborers in the fields to pick the produce that graces our plates, it would be well for us to seek justice so they and their families have enough. We can do that from the animating energy of God’s grace. As we say grace at our tables to receive our daily food, we can give thanks for those who help bring it into our homes. Every day gives us an opportunity to notice the grace of God, seeking to be shared.

People of St. Timothy, thank you for all the ways you strive to live out God’s grace in your daily lives.

Peace,
Hans