Sunday Scripture readings: Sept. 24, 2017

Twenty-fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

First reading: Is 55:6-9

Responsoral Psalm: 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18

Second reading: Phil 1:20-24, 27

Gospel: Mt 20:1-16

By Jem Sullivan

Gospel parables often contain a paradox meant to open us to a deeper understanding of who God is and who we are in relationship to God. To unpack the deeper meaning of the parable takes time, reflection and silence.

At times, we are challenged to “think outside the box” to understand the meaning of God’s word. This is particularly true of today’s Gospel parable that invites us to reflect on how different God’s ways are from our ways.

At first glance, the scene in the Gospel appears unfair, even unjust, as workers who come at the 11th hour are paid the same as those who work all day. From a purely human point of view, it doesn’t make sense. And that’s when we realize something deeper is unfolding.

The parable is not a lesson on how to run a business or payroll. In fact, it has nothing to do with economics. To understand the meaning of Jesus’ words, we look to the times when Jesus first spoke the parable.

Then, a vineyard was a symbol for the people of Israel. And the owner was an image for God’s generous love revealed in Jesus’ ministry of healing, preaching and teaching.

Those who worked the entire day were like the many devout, pious people of Jesus’ day. They would receive their just reward at the right time. Those who were hired at midday are like those who live on the margins of society and respond in faith to Jesus’ message.

Finally, there are sinners, tax collectors and outcasts. They are getting much more than they deserve or have worked for. They are receiving the overflowing generosity and compassion of God’s love.

Jesus extends God’s mercy and generosity, even to sinners and outcasts, to the poor and the defenseless. Coming into God’s presence, we resist the temptation to focus on our rights and our expectations.

God cannot be outdone in generosity. God is generous in a way that far surpasses human standards of justice and fairness: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord” (Is 55:8).

God is infinitely generous in ways that go beyond human standards of fairness and justice. We often measure out compassion and love according to spoken and unspoken measures. God’s love does not work that way. God’s love is limitless generosity, as the prophet Isaiah affirms when he invites the people of Israel to turn to the Lord for mercy.

God’s word today challenges us to make generosity and compassion a way of life, rather than something we do only in times of crisis. We open our hearts to God’s love poured out for us on the cross of his son Jesus. Having encountered the healing power of divine love, we let the cross of Christ serve as the model for how we treat others.

I have been forgiven and loved immeasurably, beyond human standards or expectations. Knowing God’s generosity, I become a channel of God’s love to others as I say in faith, “speak to me, Lord.”

Reflection Quote:

“The Lord never tires of forgiving! It is we who tire of asking forgiveness.” (Pope Francis, Angelus address, March 17, 2013)

Sullivan is secretary for Catholic education of the Archdiocese of Washington.

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Author: Catholic News Service

Catholic News Service is the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ news and information service.

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